Straight Talking on The Law

Hit By Bad Driver? What To Do When Other Driver's Insurance Company Calls

By Paul Vames, Oregon Personal Injury Attorney

Let’s say, for example, your car has been “rear-ended” on the freeway or at a stop light. Your rear bumper and trunk are smashed. Your neck and shoulders snap back from the force of the collision and begin to ache. You develop a headache and experience a feeling of disorientation. Your joints are sore.

 

Your primary concern following an injury accident is to feel better and ensure that your injuries are not serious. Your first instinct should be to seek immediate and appropriate medical care from a physician or hospital emergency department. In Oregon, where PIP coverage is mandatory under State law, you can and should get the immediate medical care you need without delay. You paid premiums for this coverage and are entitled to the best care available. PIP is YOUR coverage under your insurance policy. Cooperate with your own insurer and your medical bills will be paid.

 

But what should you do when the insurer for the negligent driver calls and wants information?

 

If you have been injured, tell the opposing insurer only that you have been injured and that you will provide relevant information once your injuries have healed. Do not allow the opposing insurer to obtain information to which it is not entitled.

 

Ford F-150 Recall - Gas Tank Defect

 

 
By: Robert Harris

The Ford F-150 is one of the best selling trucks on the road today. The F series has been the best selling vehicle in the US for three decades. Regulators are now reporting that they are investigating 2.7 million F-150's, built from 1997 through 2001, for a potential gas tank design flaw.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the steel straps holding up the truck's gas tank can rust and break, possibly causing a fuel spill and fire. So far, there have been no injuries reported due to the defect.

If you own a 1997-2oo1 Ford F-150, you may be receiving a notice in the mail from Ford regarding a recall of your vehicle. If you have any questions or concerned about the safety of your vehicle, you may want to contact your local Ford dealer to see if they can perform an inspection of the potentially defective parts.

If you're not the original owner, keep your eyes open in the paper for any reported recalls. Even if you're not the original owner, if the vehicle is recalled, you will be able to get it fixed at no cost.

 

 

"It's Money, and I Want it NOW!"

 

 

By: Robert Harris

You've seen the commercial. You know, the companies that just want to help you. In reality, these lenders are buying personal injury awards. Sometimes they buy the stream of payments you've negotiated, and sometimes, more alarmingly, before you've even received an award.

Before you even think about selling your award, read this article from the NY Times.

These companies may serve a need, just as title loan companies and payday lenders. But if you have a personal injury settlement, whether its simple dog bite, an auto accident or a wrongful death, you need to talk to an experienced attorney about the value of your case and the risks of doing business with these lenders.

Most personal injury lawyers in Oregon will offer a free consultation. So take advantage of it.

Call us at 503-648-4777, or email us for a free consultation on your case. Or, for more information about how we can help you, go to our website.