Category: Insurance Adjuster

Car Crash or Car Accident?

Insurance companies love to talk about “accidents”, because that word implies that your injury was nobody’s fault.  Insurance company lawyers like to use the word “accident” because they hope the jury will start to believe that the “accident” was not anybody’s fault.  In reality, an “accident” is usually caused by someone who wasn’t paying attention…. read more

Having the Right UIM Coverage Makes a Difference

In Oregon, every driver is required to have at least $25,000 in UIM (underinsured motorist coverage).  If you injury is worth $300,000, but the person who caused your injury only has $25,000 of insurance, then you could get stuck with just getting $25,000 unless you have good UIM.  If the at-fault driver’s insurance limits will… read more

Preserving Evidence & Documenting Damages

If you are in a car crash that causes over $1,500 in damage to any vehicle, or causes any injuries, you are required to fill out a DMV report.  Keep a copy for your records, as the DMV will not give you a copy later.  You are also required to inform law enforcement about your… read more

3 More Common Myths you may have Heard from Friends, Relatives or Well-meaning Neighbors

Myth 4: You should get a fast settlement TRUTH: Actually, it’s easy to get a fast settlement.  What’s unusual is a fast and fair settlement.  The insurance companies love fast settlements, because if you are in a rush, they know they will be able to settle for pennies on the dollar.  But if you want… read more

3 Common Myths you may have Heard from Friends, Relatives or Well-meaning Neighbors

Myth 1: You need a lawyer for every accident. TRUTH: Absolutely not.  Many accidents do not require a lawyer at all.  You may end up with more money in your pocket if you settle the case yourself.  But only if you understand the process. If you’ve done some negotiating before (and almost everyone has) use… read more

Health Insurance – Your Last Resort

Personal injury protection (PIP) is the first place to go to get your medical bills paid if you have been in a car crash.  If you’ve been in a crash, call your own insurance company and speak to an adjuster about using your PIP for medical treatments. PIP only pays $15,000 toward your medical bills,… read more

Don’t be Tricked by the other Insurance Company!

You should definitely communicate with your own insurance company’s adjuster, but the insurance adjuster for the other driver’s insurance will probably be more difficult to deal with it.  Here are some of the tricks the insurance adjuster will use to try and make you settle your case for an unfair amount. 1. Pretending to be… read more

FAQ’s About Auto Accident Insurance in Oregon

What if the other driver was at fault, but doesn’t have insurance? How will I pay my bills? Well, to pay your bills initially, you will be able to use your PIP. But in addition to PIP, you will also have other coverage in your policy to cover expenses over $15,ooo. In Oregon, every driver… read more

How to use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

When you bought your insurance policy, if you are like most people in Oregon, you were thinking you were getting liability coverage, so if you caused a crash and injured someone, your insurance would take care of them.  But your insurance also contains “personal injury protection.” known as PIP. The idea behind PIP is that… read more

Medical Liens and the Importance of Negotiation

If your health insurance or your auto insurance (PIP) pays your medical bills due to an injury that was someone else’s fault, and then you get a settlement from that person (or their insurance company), then your insurance company (that pays your medical bills) has the legal right to get back the money they paid… read more