Clackamas County Personal Injury Representation

No fee unless you recover money

A personal injury lawyer helps those who have been injured by another. The injury may be from a car accident, motorcycle accident, or bicycle accident – any situation in which a third party is responsible for causing the injuries. A personal injury lawyer helps by getting money for the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages and/ or their pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded – damages intended as punishment and to deter the defendant and those responsible from engaging in similar conduct. The type and amount of damages awarded depend on the victim’s injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and how the case is resolved.

An injured person does not always need a lawyer, it is possible to resolve a claim without the assistance of lawyer. However, insurance companies try to limit how much money they pay out because they are concerned about their bottom line. An experienced personal injury lawyer will work to maximize your recovery from the insurance company through negotiating the claim, filing a lawsuit or litigating the lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer can also work with your medical providers to allow to continue your medical treatment despite your lack of health insurance or exhaustion of your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.

PIP is a benefit with your own car insurance; you contract for it when you obtain insurance coverage. In general, PIP benefits will pay the first $15,000 of your medical treatment. Sometimes PIP may quit paying, despite the availability of coverage, because they do not believe the medical treatment you are receiving is reasonably or necessary for the injuries you suffered. In those situations it may be possible to file a lawsuit against your own insurance company in order to allow you to get the medical treatment you need.

An injured person may also be able to seek money for injuries suffered in an accident, even if the at-fault party was uninsured. The ability to obtain any money depends on your own insurance coverage. If your insurance policy provides for Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage you will be able to file a claim for the amount of coverage you contracted for with your insurance company. Similarly if the at-fault party has minimal insurance coverage that does not coverage the injuries suffered, you may be able to file a under an Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Again, this will depend on the amount of UIM coverage you have contracted for with your own insurance company.

It is not necessary to contact a lawyer immediately after the accident. However, the sooner you get a lawyer involved the sooner they can begin to work on your behalf to ensure that evidence critical to the outcome of your case is preserved. For example, in situations where evidence from 911 calls or security footage is critical it is important to contact a lawyer early in the process or that evidence may be destroyed. However, prior to resolving your claim or lawsuit you should be medical stationary meaning your injuries have improved as much as they are likely to under the circumstances or you are fully recovered from your injuries. The reason you need to be medically stationary is because once you resolve your claim you are unable to go back and get additional compensation if your situation worsens.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will know what evidence is needed, when your claim is ready to be resolved and work diligently to maximize your recovery. All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means Nicole only collects a fee if she is able to recover money for her client. Initial consultations are free. Contact Nicole at 503-451-0477.

AUTO ACCIDENTS • MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS • WRONGFUL DEATH • VICTIMS OF DRUNK DRIVERS • PREMISE LIABILITY

Nicole Robbins is dedicated to helping those who are seriously injured or family members of those who have suffered death as a result of the negligence of a third party.

In any personal injury case, especially one where someone has suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one, payment of medical bills and the ability to move forward in one’s life are top priorities. There are various forms of car insurance that may provide benefits to you to help you do so.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to evaluate your case to determine what benefits are available to you and work with the medical providers to ensure continued treatment as well as maximize your recovery.