Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from injury victims in Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from injury victims in Oregon.

FAQs
Common questions about personal injury claims, our process, and what to expect.
Personal Injury
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, so we only get paid if we win money for you. The first consultation is free.
Do I really need a lawyer, or can I deal with the insurance company myself?
You can go it alone, but insurers often delay and lowball people without a lawyer. Studies and everyday experience both show that having an attorney tends to lead to a better outcome. At the very least, a free call helps you understand what your claim is worth before you accept anything.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Oregon?
Usually two years from the date of injury, though some claims (like those against a city or county) have much shorter notice deadlines, sometimes as short as 180 days. Don't wait to find out where you stand.
What kinds of cases do you handle?
Car crashes, motorcycle crashes, bike crashes, medical negligence, dangerous or defective products, injuries on unsafe property, and police misconduct, for clients in Eugene, the Willamette Valley, and across Oregon.
What should I do right after an injury?
Get medical care, take photos, keep your records, and avoid giving a recorded statement to the other side's insurer before you talk to a lawyer. Then call us for a free review.
Auto Collision
Do I need a lawyer? Can’t I just deal with the insurance company myself?
You can. But insurers often delay, minimize, and devalue claims from unrepresented people. Many clients come to us after months of stalled progress and find out key evidence has already disappeared.
Will my insurance rates go up if I make a claim?
Not necessarily. It depends on fault and your coverage. We can help you understand what’s at risk before you take any steps.
How will my medical bills get paid while my case is ongoing?
You have options, from PIP coverage to health insurance. In Oregon, your own auto policy's Personal Injury Protection usually helps cover early medical costs no matter who caused the crash. We'll walk you through it and work to maximize your recovery.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. The first conversation is always free.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Oregon?
Oregon sets a legal deadline for most injury claims, and evidence fades long before that. The sooner you call, the stronger your case. It's free to find out if you have one.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance, or takes off?
You may still be covered. In Oregon, most auto policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which can pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance, not enough, or flees the scene. A lot of people don't realize they have this protection. We'll check your policy and pursue every source of coverage available to you.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
Be careful here. The other driver's insurer may call within days, sounding friendly and helpful. But their job is to pay you as little as possible. Anything you say, even a simple "I'm doing okay," can be used to shrink your claim. You're not required to give them a recorded statement. It's best to talk to a lawyer first, and let us handle those conversations for you.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
You may still be able to recover money. Oregon follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, which means you can still make a claim as long as you're not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is just reduced by your share of the blame. Insurers often try to pin more fault on you than you deserve, so don't assume you're out of options before talking to us.
Bicycle Collision
Do I really need a lawyer for a bike crash?
If your injuries are minor and fault is clear, maybe not. But when you're seriously hurt, the driver denies fault, or the insurer lowballs you, a lawyer makes a real difference. Many riders come to us months later, after key evidence is already gone.
I was on my bike, not in my car. Can I still use my auto insurance?
Often, yes. In Oregon, your own auto policy's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) usually helps cover medical bills and lost wages after a bike crash, even though you weren't driving. We'll help you sort out every policy that may apply.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
In Oregon, only riders under 16 are required to wear a helmet. Not wearing one doesn't bar your claim, though it can come up. We know how to handle that argument.
How much does a bike accident lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. The first conversation is always free.
How long do I have to file a bike crash claim in Oregon?
Most injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash, and some claims against public bodies have much shorter deadlines. The sooner you call, the better we can protect your case.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance, or rode off?
You may still be covered. In Oregon, the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy can often pay for your injuries when the driver has no insurance, not enough, or flees the scene, even though you were on a bike, not in your car. Hit-and-runs are sadly common in bike crashes, so this coverage matters. We'll check every policy that might apply to you.
The driver says the crash was my fault. Can I still recover anything?
Often, yes. Drivers and insurers love to blame the cyclist ("they came out of nowhere"), but blame isn't up to them. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so you can still recover money as long as you're not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is just reduced by your share. We know how to push back when a rider is wrongly blamed.
Who pays for my damaged bike and gear?
The at-fault driver's insurance is usually responsible for your property damage, including your bike, helmet, and gear. That's one reason we tell riders not to throw anything away. A cracked helmet and a bent frame are evidence, and they help prove the value of what you lost. We make sure your bike and equipment are part of the claim, not forgotten.
Permises Liability
How do I know if I have a premises liability case?
If you were hurt by an unsafe condition the property owner knew about, or should have known about and fixed, you may have a claim. The clearest sign is a hazard that a careful owner would have cleaned up or warned about. The only way to know for sure is a free review.
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still recover money. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so as long as you're not more than 50% at fault, you can still pursue a claim. Your share of fault just reduces your compensation. Don't count yourself out before talking to us.
Can I sue my landlord for an injury at my apartment?
Often, yes, especially for injuries in shared spaces like stairwells, walkways, and parking lots. If your landlord knew about a danger and didn't fix it in a reasonable time, they may be responsible.
How much does a premises liability lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. The first conversation is always free.
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Oregon?
Usually two years from the date of injury. But if your claim is against a public body, like a city or county, you may need to give formal notice within 180 days. The sooner you call, the better we can protect your case.
What if there was no "wet floor" sign or warning?
That can actually strengthen your case. Property owners are supposed to warn people about hazards they know about, or fix them. A missing sign where there should have been one, like an unmarked spill or a broken step nobody flagged, can be a sign the owner failed their duty to keep you safe. We look closely at what warnings were or weren't there when you got hurt.
The store or landlord asked me to fill out an incident report. Did I hurt my case?
Not usually, and reporting it was the right move. An incident report helps prove when and where you were hurt. Just be careful about going beyond the basic facts. Don't guess about what caused it, and don't say you're "fine" or "not hurt," since injuries often show up later. If you've already given a statement you're unsure about, tell us. We'll help you from here.
How do I prove the property owner knew about the dangerous condition?
This is often the heart of a premises case, and it's where having a lawyer matters most. You don't always need proof they actually knew. In Oregon, it can be enough to show they should have known, meaning a careful owner would have caught and fixed the hazard. We dig into maintenance records, inspection logs, past complaints, and how long the danger was there to build that proof for you.
Product Liability
How do I know if I have a product liability case?
If a product hurt you and it was defective, poorly designed, or missing key safety warnings, you may have a claim. The clearest sign is an injury worse than you'd expect from normal use. The only way to know for sure is to have a lawyer look at it. That review is free.
Who can be held responsible?
More than just the maker. Under Oregon law, the manufacturer, the distributor, and even the store or seller can all be on the hook. We track down every party that may owe you.
How much does a product liability lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. And in these cases, we advance the costs of experts and investigation, so you're not stuck with the bill.
How long do I have to file a product liability claim in Oregon?
Usually two years from when you discovered the injury, though a longer outer deadline (called a statute of repose) can also apply, often around ten years from when the product was first bought. Wrongful death cases have their own timeline. Because the rules are tricky, call sooner rather than later.
What if the product was recalled?
A recall can actually help your case, since it may show the company already knew about the danger. But a recall doesn't replace your right to compensation. Talk to us before you deal with the manufacturer.
Do I have a case if I no longer have the product?
Maybe, but it's much harder, so don't give up before asking. The product itself is usually the most important evidence, which is why we tell people to hold onto it. But even without it, other proof can sometimes support your claim: photos, the receipt, medical records, the packaging, or reports of the same product hurting other people. Talk to us before you assume you're out of options.
What if I was using the product a little differently than the instructions said?
You may still have a claim. Manufacturers are often responsible for "foreseeable misuse," meaning ways people are likely to use a product even if it's not exactly what the manual says. A maker can't sell something dangerous and then escape blame just because you didn't follow every line of fine print. We look closely at how the product failed and whether it was reasonably safe for real-world use.
Can I still sue if the product was made by a company overseas?
Often, yes. Many dangerous products are manufactured abroad, but that doesn't leave you without options. Under Oregon law, the U.S. distributor, the importer, and the store that sold it can all share responsibility, even if the manufacturer is hard to reach. We track down every party in the chain who may owe you, so a foreign maker isn't a dead end for your claim.
Police Misconduct
Can I really sue the police?
Yes. Federal civil rights law (Section 1983) lets you hold officers and agencies accountable when they violate your constitutional rights, including through excessive force or unlawful arrest. It's not easy, but it's very much possible with the right lawyer.
How much does a police misconduct lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. The first conversation is always free and confidential.
What is qualified immunity, and does it mean I can't win?
Qualified immunity is a shield officers use to try to avoid liability. It makes these cases harder, but not hopeless. Many victims recover compensation despite it. We know how to build a case designed to overcome it.
How long do I have to file a police misconduct claim in Oregon?
Generally two years for a federal civil rights claim, but related claims against a city, county, or other public body can require formal notice in as little as 180 days. Because the deadlines are strict and easy to miss, call as soon as you can.
What if the criminal charges against me are still pending?
You can still talk to us. In fact, you should. What happens in your criminal case can affect your civil rights claim, so it's smart to have a lawyer looking out for both. Everything you tell us stays confidential.
Do I need to file a complaint with the police department first?
No, you don't have to file an internal complaint before talking to a lawyer or bringing a civil rights claim. Some people file one, some don't. There are pros and cons either way, and what you say in that complaint can matter later. It's smart to talk to a lawyer first so you understand your options before you file anything.
What if the police say I was resisting or that the force was justified?
That's one of the most common things officers claim, and it doesn't mean your case is over. What matters is whether the force was reasonable for the situation, not just what the report says. Police reports don't always match the video or the witnesses. We dig into bodycam footage, other recordings, and independent accounts to show what really happened.
Can I bring a claim if my loved one was killed by police?
Yes. When police misconduct causes a death, close family members or the person's estate may be able to bring a wrongful death and civil rights claim. These cases seek accountability along with compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and the loss of your loved one. The deadlines are strict, and the cases are complex, so reach out as soon as you're able. We'll handle it with the care and respect your family deserves.
Medical Malpractice
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
If a provider's mistake, not just a bad outcome, caused you real harm, you may have a claim. The clearest sign is an injury that a careful provider would have avoided. The only way to know for sure is to have a lawyer and medical expert review your records.
How much does a medical malpractice lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we win money for you. In these cases, we also advance the cost of experts and investigation, so you're not stuck with the bill.
Are these cases hard to prove?
They can be. Medical negligence is one of the most complex areas of law. That’s why it’s important to have a team with real experience and access to strong medical experts.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in Oregon?
Usually two years from when you discovered the harm, with a firm five-year outer limit in most cases. Claims against public hospitals or providers may require formal notice within 180 days. Because the rules are strict and easy to miss, call as soon as you can.
Do I have to sue my doctor personally?
Not necessarily. Often, hospitals, clinics, or insurers are the accountable parties. We’ll help you understand who’s legally responsible.
Is a bad result always malpractice?
No. Medicine has real risks, and not every complication is negligence. Malpractice means care that fell below the accepted standard and caused harm. We help you tell the difference, honestly.
How long does a medical malpractice case take?
Usually longer than people expect, often a year or more, and sometimes several. These cases are complex. They require gathering full medical records, having experts review the care, and standing up to hospitals and insurers who fight hard. We know that's frustrating when you're hurt and bills are piling up, so we keep you updated along the way and handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
Can I sue for a loved one who died from medical negligence?
Yes. When a medical error causes someone's death, close family members or the estate may be able to bring a wrongful death claim. These cases can recover compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of your loved one. The deadlines are different from a standard malpractice claim, so it's important to talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later. We handle these cases with the care and respect your family deserves.
Will I have to go to court, or do these cases settle?
Many medical malpractice cases settle before trial, but not all, and you should never count on the other side to be fair. We prepare every case as if it's going to court, because that's what puts real pressure on hospitals and insurers to offer full value. If a fair settlement is on the table, we'll advise you honestly. If it's not, we're ready to fight for you in front of a jury.
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