Answers to Your Legal Questions

First, ensure everyone's safety and call 911 for any injuries. Exchange information with the other driver(s), take photos of the accident scene, get contact information from witnesses, and report the accident to your insurance company. Then, seek medical attention even if you don't feel injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Finally, contact our law firm before giving any statements to insurance adjusters.

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including auto accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions and special circumstances that might affect this timeframe. It's best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure you don't miss any important deadlines.

Oregon follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn't exceed 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys can help evaluate your case and maximize your recovery even in shared-fault scenarios.

No, you should not accept an initial settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies typically make low initial offers hoping you'll accept less than what your claim is worth. Our attorneys can evaluate the true value of your claim, including future medical expenses and long-term impacts, to ensure you receive fair compensation.

If you're the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may still have options for recovery. You might be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, if the driver is later identified, you can pursue a claim against them. Our attorneys can help explore all potential sources of compensation in hit-and-run cases.

The duration of a personal injury case varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, clarity of liability, insurance company cooperation, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases might resolve in a few months, while complex cases can take one to two years or longer. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while still securing maximum compensation.

Most personal injury cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This thorough preparation often leads to better settlement offers. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our experienced litigators are fully prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you before a judge and jury.

The value of your claim depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, the cost of your medical treatment (both current and future), whether you have permanent injuries, pain and suffering, and the available insurance coverage. Our attorneys provide a detailed evaluation after thoroughly reviewing your specific circumstances.

You should preserve all documents related to your accident and injuries, including police reports, medical records and bills, correspondence with insurance companies, photographs of injuries and accident scene, receipts for expenses related to your injury, documentation of lost wages, and a personal journal describing your pain and limitations. We help clients organize these documents to build a strong case.

While it's always best to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, delayed treatment doesn't automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. However, it can make your case more challenging as the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren't caused by the accident or weren't serious. Our attorneys can work to overcome these challenges by connecting your injuries to the accident through medical evidence and expert testimony.

Johnson Law, P.C. operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. What makes our approach unique is that we charge our attorney fee only after your outstanding medical bills have been paid. This ensures that your physical recovery comes first, both medically and financially.

Our standard contingency fee is typically one-third (33.33%) of the recovery amount after outstanding medical bills are paid. However, this percentage can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether litigation becomes necessary. We discuss our fee structure clearly during your initial consultation so there are no surprises.

No, there are no upfront costs to hire our firm. We advance all costs necessary to pursue your case, including filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record retrieval costs, and other litigation expenses. These costs are then reimbursed from the settlement or verdict amount before the contingency fee is calculated.

If we don't recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing – no attorney fees and no costs. We only get paid if you get paid, which aligns our interests with yours and motivates us to work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for every client.

Depending on your situation, medical bills may be covered by your health insurance, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, or medical payments coverage. In some cases, providers may agree to wait for payment until your case resolves. We help coordinate with all relevant insurance companies and medical providers to ensure you receive the treatment you need while your case is pending.

Yes, you should use your health insurance after an accident, even if the accident was someone else's fault. Your auto insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is typically primary, but once those benefits are exhausted, your health insurance can cover additional treatment. Using your health insurance ensures you receive necessary care while your case is pending, and we work to have your health insurer reimbursed from your settlement.

If you're unable to afford medical treatment, we can help identify options. These may include using available insurance coverage, finding providers willing to treat on a lien basis (agreeing to wait for payment until your case settles), or connecting you with community resources. Don't delay necessary treatment – contact us to discuss your specific situation.

You should continue treatment until you've reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning your condition has stabilized. Following your doctor's recommendations is essential both for your health and your legal case. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries aren't serious or were caused by something other than the accident.

The at-fault party's insurance company may request access to your medical records, but you don't have to provide unlimited access. When you hire us, we manage these requests, ensuring the insurance company only receives records relevant to your injury claim. We protect your privacy while still providing the documentation needed to support your claim.

For injuries requiring long-term or lifelong care, we work with medical experts and life care planners to project the full cost of your future medical needs. These projections become part of your claim to ensure you receive compensation that covers all necessary future treatment. Our goal is to secure financial support for all your medical needs, both current and future.

It's best to avoid speaking directly with the other party's insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters are trained to elicit statements that can be used to minimize your claim. Once you hire our firm, we handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting your interests and preventing you from inadvertently damaging your claim.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault insurance coverage required in Oregon that covers medical expenses and some wage loss regardless of who caused the accident. In Oregon, auto insurance policies must include at least $15,000 in PIP coverage. This coverage applies to you and your passengers and can be used immediately after an accident while fault is being determined.

If the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance or no insurance at all, you may be able to file a claim under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We can review your insurance policy and explain your options. In some cases, we may also identify other potentially liable parties who may have additional insurance coverage.

Insurance rates typically increase only if you were at fault for the accident. If another driver was at fault and you make a claim against their insurance, your rates should not increase. Even when using your own coverage like PIP or UM/UIM for an accident caused by someone else, most insurance companies should not raise your rates, though policies vary by insurer.

Insurance companies typically calculate settlement offers based on medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and an often arbitrary multiplier for pain and suffering. Their initial offers are almost always lower than what your claim is truly worth. Our attorneys conduct a comprehensive assessment of all your damages, including future impacts, to ensure any settlement adequately compensates you.

Johnson Law, P.C. proudly stands behind our "Client First Guarantee" fee structure (charging attorney fees only after outstanding medical bills are paid), our boutique approach that ensures direct attorney access throughout your case, and our extensive experience in personal injury law. As a local firm deeply rooted in the community, we provide personalized attention you deserve.

At Johnson Law, P.C. you work directly with the attorney handling your case from start to finish. During your initial consultation, you'll meet the attorney who will be managing your case, and that same attorney will be your primary point of contact throughout the entire legal process.

We provide regular updates throughout your case and promptly inform you of any significant developments. You can expect monthly check-ins at minimum, with more frequent communication during active phases of your case. We're also readily available to answer your questions whenever they arise, typically responding to calls and emails within 24 business hours.

Whether your case is worth pursuing depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and liability issues. We offer free consultations to evaluate these factors and provide an honest assessment of your case. If we don't believe we can add value to your situation, we'll tell you upfront.

For your initial consultation, please bring any documentation related to your accident and injuries, such as police reports, photographs, medical records, correspondence with insurance companies, and a list of medical providers you've seen. If you don't have these items yet, don't worry – we can still discuss your case and provide guidance on next steps.