Multi- Car Collisions Add Issues, and Possible Avenues of Recovery
I occasionally get calls from families that were injured in a wreck while on vacation on the Oregon Coast. It's a hard way to start a vacation, but that may just be the beginning of the tragedy. Often times, there may not be enough insurance proceeds to fix everyone's harms suffered in the collision.
For the lawyer, the first concern is the potential for a conflict of interest. Although it may sound a bit strange (which happens in the law) it is possible that family members may be competing against each for limited insurance proceeds to fix the harms suffered in the wreck. A lawyer cannot represent more than one person where there is such a conflict, and the Oregon State Bar Rules of Professional Responsibility make sure that we notify potential clients of potential conflicts.
For our clients, we look at the options. Is there underinsured motorist coverage? Does the negligent driver have an umbrella policy, or another car that may offer coverage? Sometimes the negligent driver is on a business trip, and his or her employer may have insurance to cover the loss. This is something we do all the time, and you can consult without charge to know your options.
