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 lawyer 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 MoreVictims of motorcycle accidents can explore their legal options with the help of this article, which outlines the various steps to take after an accident. It provides information about seeking medical attention, filing a claim and understanding insurance coverage.
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 MoreIncreasingly, Oregon sees an increased number of pedestrian injuries or even deaths from being struck by motor vehicles. Every 88 minutes, a pedestrian dies in a car-related accident. Every year, roughly 6,000 pedestrians lose their lives or are injured in accidents where they are hit by motor vehicles. The most common location for these accidents is at intersections or crosswalks when motorists don't yield the right-of-way or stop for traffic devices like stoplights or stop signs.
Read MoreHiring an experienced personal injury lawyer after a pedestrian accident is essential in order to receive proper compensation for damages. They can help you understand your legal rights and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly.
Read MoreEvery contested auto accident involves two major issues - "liability" and "damages." Liability simply means that the other party must be legally liable before he or she has any obligation to pay compensation for injuries.
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 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 MoreFor many in Oregon, bicycling is a way of life. It appeals equally to families out for slow rides and serious athletes alike. It's great exercise, easy on the environment, and has a reasonably inexpensive bar to entry once you acquire the basic equipment. However, failure to take necessary safety precautions can unnecessarily expose you to bicycle injuries from accidents.
Read MoreThis text explains the different standards of proof in Oregon law. The lowest standard is "preponderance of the evidence" which is used in most civil cases. The middle standard is "clear and convincing evidence" which requires more evidence than the previous one and is often used in cases involving serious consequences. The highest standard is "beyond a reasonable doubt" which is used in criminal cases and requires the prosecution to prove its case to such a degree that there can be no reasonable doubt in the mind of a rational person.
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