The article explores the history and legal concept of negligence, which is a fundamental part of personal injury law. It traces the origins of negligence law back to England and its development in the United States, including its four basic elements of duty, breach, causation, and damages. The article also explains how negligence is defined under Oregon law and discusses the state's recognition of comparative negligence and negligence per se.
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 MoreDuring the time of treatment, insurance may or may not be paying the bills, but medical providers still need to get paid. To protect their interests, these medical providers may request a “Letter of Protection” from the personal injury attorney to ensure that their bills get paid at the time of settlement.
Read MoreJuries, insurance adjusters, judges, and even lawyers representing motorcycle accident victims sometimes maintain the subtle bias that motorcyclists "deserve" injuries because they forego the safety of a four-wheeled, enclosed vehicle. At Pacific Injury Law Firm, we recognize such biases and refuse to minimize the claims of the motorcycle accident victim. If a motorcycle accident victim is not able to obtain complete and fair compensation, we will take the case to trial.
Read MoreIn Oregon, every policy carried by a driver is required to carry Uninsured Motorist (or "UM") coverageBy law, the minimum amount of coverage under an Oregon UM policy is $25,000. With uninsured motorist coverage, a person can recover economic damages and noneconomic damages just like they would receive from the negligent driver, all the way up to the limits of an uninsured motorist policy.
Read MoreI was paralyzed after a speeding car hit me head-on. How can I make sure there is enough insurance to pay my claim in full?
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 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 MoreAfter an accident, your injury attorney 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 attorney as soon as possible after your accident to coordinate.
Read MoreCommercial truck accidents in Oregon can involve complex liability issues. Understanding who is responsible for damages is crucial to securing fair compensation. Our latest blog post explores the common causes of commercial truck accidents, potential liable parties, and methods for determining fault. Join us at Pacific Injury Law Firm in Portland as we navigate the complexities of commercial truck accident liability and help you get the justice you deserve.
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