If you were injured because of someone else’s actions, you likely have a personal injury case. Many people assume they don’t qualify unless the accident was severe or someone lost their life, but that’s not always the case. Even minor injuries can have lasting effects, especially when they impact your ability to work, drive, or live comfortably.

Insurance companies can often try to minimize claims or make low offers that don’t fully cover your medical bills, missed wages, or future care. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself. Even if you think your injuries aren’t “bad enough,” it’s smart to get checked by a doctor and speak with an Oregon personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A consultation can help you understand your options and make sure you’re treated and compensated fairly.

If you were injured in an accident in Oregon and it wasn’t your fault, the at-fault party’s insurance is ultimately responsible for covering your medical expenses. However, you don’t have to wait for their insurance to act.

Oregon automobile insurance requirements mandate that all drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance. This means your own PIP can help pay for immediate medical care, even before fault is fully determined. It’s there to make sure you get treatment right away, without worrying about out-of-pocket costs. Later, your Oregon personal injury attorney can help recover those costs from the at-fault driver’s insurance, along with any additional compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term care needs.

Yes, you may be able to recover more than just the cost of your medical treatment. Beyond doctor visits, compensation can also cover surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. You may also be entitled to money for lost wages if your injury keeps you from working, and for property damage to your vehicle or belongings.

You can also be compensated for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life — the parts of recovery that don’t show up on a hospital bill. If your injury is permanent or disabling, you may receive additional compensation for long-term care or future lost income.

In Oregon, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim for most personal injury claims. However, there are certain exceptions such as if the injury wasn’t immediately obvious, the deadline may begin when it is discovered. In some cases, if the injured is a minor, the timeframe is extended within 5 years of the injury or one year after they turn 18. It’s important to seek advice from an Oregon personal injury lawyer promptly to ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate legal deadlines.

We don’t charge you anything upfront. Like most personal injury lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case. Our payment comes from a percentage of the amount recovered, which varies depending on the complexity of the case. Other case-related costs, like mediation or filing fees, are often deducted from the settlement as well, not paid out of your pocket.

This setup makes it easier for you to get legal help without worrying about immediate expenses. And while it might seem like legal fees take a big portion, people represented by an attorney still walk away with nearly three times more compensation than those who handle their cases alone.