Oregon has created a law (ORS 20.080) which is intended to level the playing field for injured parties with smaller claims and to promote these injured parties’ ability to get legal counsel. Generally, the law accomplishes this by awarding lawyer fees to a party who successfully uses a lawyer to represent them in recovering their damages (medical costs, property losses, and other expenses including as lost wages). These fees for your Attorney are awarded if you make a demand for payment under $10,000.00, and the defendant (or their insurance company) declines the offer or offers less than you demand. If you subsequently are awarded more, you are also entitled to attorney fees under the law.
Read MoreAfter an accident, your injury lawyer should have you do many things to maximize your financial recovery from your injury. From documenting your accident and creating an injury diary, to working with your doctor and documenting your lost wages, there are many pieces to your economic recovery. You should consult with an lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to coordinate.
Read MoreYour liability coverage may include Personal Injury Protection ("PIP") or Medical Payments ("Med Pay") benefits. PIP provides a source of payment for YOUR medical bills and some of YOUR wage loss following an auto accident. Further, PIP is no-fault, meaning that it will begin paying on your injuries immediately, rather than waiting for liability to be determined. Similarly, Med Pay provides some coverage for YOUR medical bills. These are called "no-fault" coverages because they pay even if the accident is your fault.
Read MoreExplore the growing concern of bicycle accidents as cycling becomes a popular mode of transportation. Learn about the dangers, how improved road design can reduce risks, and the importance of understanding your rights if involved in an accident. This blog post delves into crucial information for cyclists to protect themselves from harm and navigate legal matters.
Read MoreAnybody who has been injured in an accident likely needs assistance of a lawyer who practices in injury law. If the accident occurred in Oregon, you’ll no doubt want the best Oregon personal injury attorney you can find working on your side, helping you through the process. But what traits are common in the lawyers that qualify as truly “excellent,” versus those who are just average?
Read MoreQ: I was injured after being in an Oregon bicycle accident, and my bicycle was damaged. Who will pay to repair my bicycle?
Read MoreQ: Will my insurance pay my bills if I am hit by a car and injured while riding my bicycle or walking?
A: It depends on what kind of insurance you carry. If you have your own car insurance, an Oregon bicycle accident injury lawyer can help you use your automobile's PIP ("personal injury protection") insurance to immediately provide coverage even if you injured while riding a bicycle or walking.
Read MoreBicycling is a popular activity in Oregon, but the risk of accidents remains high. Between 2012 and 2018, there were 1,743 reported bicycle crashes in the state, with 70% involving collisions with motor vehicles. Common causes include failure to yield right-of-way and speeding. To reduce risks, cyclists should wear proper safety gear; however, if injured due to another's negligence, it's crucial to contact an experienced attorney like those at Pacific Injury Law Firm in Portland, Oregon.
Read MoreIn short, UIM insurance is a means of utilizing your own (UM uninsured) policy when another driver has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover your injuries. With UIM insurance coverage, if available, you would get coverage equal to the difference between the policy limits on your UM policy and the policy limits carried by the insurance policy of a negligent driver who caused an injury (the at-fault driver) in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or bicycle accident.
Read MoreValuing any personal injury case requires consideration of many factors, and Personal Injury cases are no exception. The first determination in valuing an Oregon is determining fault. Who is at fault for the accident? Sometimes the answer is not entirely clear. Even though you may share fault (comparative negligence), you still may be entitled to compensation.
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