Car Accident Lawyer in Portland, Oregon
A serious car accident can change your health, your finances, and your family in seconds. Oregon’s insurance system is built to pay you as little as possible, and adjusters know most people don’t have a trial lawyer standing behind them. I do. With more than 19 years in Oregon courtrooms, I make sure the insurance company treats your injuries as seriously as you have to.
Whether your claim is being delayed, denied, or lowballed, I am ready to pursue the best possible result — through negotiation when that works, and in front of a jury when it doesn’t.
Common causes of Portland car crashes
- Distracted and texting drivers
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Impaired or drunk driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Unsafe lane changes and merging
- Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic
What Oregon law means for your claim
A few rules shape almost every Oregon car accident case:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Oregon auto policies must include PIP, which pays early medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the crash (ORS 742.520).
- Comparative fault. You can recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your share of the blame (ORS 31.600).
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Oregon policies carry UM/UIM coverage, which pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little (ORS 742.502).
- The deadline. Most injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash (ORS 12.110) — and shorter notice rules apply if a public vehicle was involved.
Where Portland crashes happen
Some of the most dangerous corridors in the city show up again and again in serious-injury crashes — Interstate 5, Interstate 84, 82nd Avenue, Powell Boulevard, 122nd Avenue, and Marine Drive among them. Many are part of Portland’s High Crash Network, the streets the city targets under its Vision Zero traffic-safety program. If you were hurt on one of these roads, local knowledge of how these crashes unfold matters in building your case.
Compensation you can recover
- Medical bills — past and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Vehicle damage and out-of-pocket costs tied to your injury
Why a trial lawyer gets you more
Insurers pay more when they know your lawyer actually tries cases. I prepare every car accident claim as if a jury will decide it — preserving evidence, building the medical proof, and refusing to be rushed — and that posture is exactly what moves an adjuster to pay full value instead of fighting.
Frequently asked questions
What if the other driver was uninsured?
Oregon requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy, which can pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver can’t. I identify every policy that may apply to your crash.
Should I give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement?
Be careful. Recorded statements are routinely used to minimize claims. You are not required to give one, and it is wise to speak with a lawyer first.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally two years from the date of the crash in Oregon, but shorter deadlines apply when a government vehicle or public body is involved. Don’t wait to find out which applies to you.
What is my car accident case worth?
It depends on your injuries, treatment, lost income, and how the crash happened. A free case review is the fastest way to get a real, honest answer.
The insurer already offered me money. Should I take it?
Early offers are almost always below what a serious claim is worth, and signing a release ends your claim for good. Let me review any offer before you accept it.
There is no cost to find out where you stand. Find out what your case is worth or call (503) 379-9933.
What you can expect at my personal injury law firm
Personalized one-on-one Attention
Commitment to maximizing a claim
Proven trial advocacy & Results
Careful case preparation
Consistent updates on case progress
My goal is to maximize your compensation. This can include expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. No matter how complex your injuries and claim, I am prepared to fight for you.
