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The Latest Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Oregon
If you ride a motorcycle in Oregon, you need to know the helmet rules. Helmet laws aim to keep riders safe. Whether you abide by those laws can affect certain aspects of a personal injury claim if you suffer injuries while riding because of someone else’s negligence. Oregon law requires helmets for all motorcycle drivers…
Read MoreWhy You Should Call the Police After a Car Accident in Oregon
If you’re involved in a car accident in Oregon, even one that looks minor, you should always call the police. It might initially seem unnecessary, but all accidents should be taken seriously. By calling the police and waiting for an officer to arrive, you protect yourself and your rights. The officer’s report can make all…
Read MoreSurprising Oregon Slip and Fall Facts
Many people think of slip and fall accidents as minor. But each year, these accidents cause far more harm than most expect. In Oregon and across the country, falls are a serious safety issue, with national statistics showing they kill tens of thousands of people every year and lead to over $50 billion in medical…
Read MoreOregon vs. Washington: Which State Has Better Injury Laws for Portland Residents?
As a Portland resident, you’re used to life just minutes from the Washington state line. It’s common for Portland residents to cross over the Columbia River into Washington on a regular basis, whether for work, entertainment, shopping, or dining. But while life in Portland and Washington may feel similar, they do not have the same…
Read MoreUnderstanding Oregon’s Modified Comparative Negligence in Portland Claims
You’ve been hit by a car, suffered a slip and fall, or been involved in another type of accident in Oregon. In the back of your mind, you’re rerunning the incident, wondering if you played any role in what happened—and if so, if that prevents you from recovering any compensation. Oregon’s modified comparative negligence laws…
Read MoreTruck vs. Motorcycle Crashes: Legal Challenges in Portland Cases
Motorcyclists are already among the most vulnerable road users—not just in Portland, but across the entire United States. But when you add in an 80,000-pound vehicle to the equation, the fallout of a collision is even worse. Portland’s unique mix of congested freeways, freight corridors, and 4+ lane arterials puts motorcyclists in danger of collisions…
Read MoreWhen Self‑Driving Cars Crash: Who’s Liable?
Imagine you are stopped at a red light on Southeast Hawthorne when a sleek electric SUV on “Autopilot” rolls through and smashes your rear bumper. You did everything right. The question that matters now is who must pay for the damage. Liability in crashes involving self‑driving technology is more tangled than in ordinary car wrecks.…
Read MoreAI & Evidence in Injury Cases: What Clients Should Know
When a distracted driver clips your bike on Burnside, the truth hides in medical scans, witness memories, street‑camera footage, and the story your aching body tells each night. Insurance companies try to spin those facts to favor their ledger. The strength of your evidence decides whether the offer is a band‑aid settlement or the full…
Read MoreHow Dashcam Evidence Can Strengthen Your Personal Injury Claim
Seconds after a crash, pain and panic can blur your memory. You need proof, not opinion. A small dashcam clipped behind your mirror can freeze those seconds on video and hand you leverage that the insurance company can’t ignore. What dashcams capture and why it matters Many dashcam models turn on with your ignition and…
Read MorePosting While Injured? How Social Media Impacts Injury Claims
Your phone dings while you wait for the doctor, and sympathy floods your feed: heart emojis, inside jokes, maybe a photo from last summer. It feels comforting, but every post you tap could give an insurance company ammunition. After an injury claim starts, social media stops being casual chatter. Insurers hire investigators who scroll, screenshot,…
Read MoreLiability for Injuries at Airbnbs and Short-Term Rentals
Airbnb is the most popular short-term rental facilitator in the world, although it is not the only such platform. In 2024 Airbnb recorded nearly 500 million bookings. With this kind of volume, guest injuries are going to occur, like it or not, even if the rate of injury per 1,000 guests is low. In case…
Read MoreCan a Defendant’s Conduct Affect the Amount of Damages?
The conduct of a defendant in a personal injury or wrongful death claim can have a profound influence on the amount of money that the injured victim eventually recovers. Conduct matters not only at the time of the accident, but during litigation. Your attorney can use bad behavior by the defendant to your advantage even…
Read MoreThe Unique Liability Issues of Logging Truck Accidents in Rural Areas
The economy of the Pacific Northwest is heavily dependent on the logging industry. Unsurprisingly, logging truck accidents are common. These types of accidents generate special concerns for a variety of reasons—their typically remote locations, road and weather conditions, and complex chains of liability, among other factors. Accidents tend to be serious, and wrongful death claims…
Read MoreWashington’s Duty of Care: What Property Owners Owe to Guests and Trespassers
As a property owner, how far do you have to go to protect guests and trespassers from injury and death? This is known as premises liability. The state of Washington, like every other state, applies its own premises liability law. These laws differ a bit from state to state. Washington uses the traditional invitee/licensee/trespasser classifications,…
Read MoreThe Legal Challenges of Multistate Truck Accidents
There’s something uniquely disorienting about a crash involving a massive 18-wheeler. Add in the twist of the truck driver being from another state, or the company based across state lines, and suddenly you’re not just dealing with injuries — you’re navigating a legal maze that doesn’t have clear signposts. Truck accidents aren’t uncommon. According to…
Read MoreWhy TBIs Are Often Undiagnosed
There’s a quiet danger that often follows an accident. It doesn’t bleed. It might not even show up right away. But it can change everything about the way you move through the world. It’s called a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and it’s more common and more overlooked than you might think. If you’ve recently been…
Read MoreThe Psychological Effects of Personal Injury
When people talk about personal injury, the focus almost always lands on the physical effects, like broken bones, herniated discs, and concussions. You get X-rays, MRIs, and maybe even surgery. There’s a tangible wound. It’s visible. It can be measured and tracked. However, there’s an element of an injury that often gets overlooked and goes…
Read MoreWhat to Know About Car Accident Settlements in Washington State
If you’ve just been in a car accident in Washington, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. Between doctor’s visits, insurance calls, and the daily logistics of getting around without your car, it’s easy to put your own questions on the back burner, especially the big one: How much is this all going to cost me? That’s where…
Read MoreThe Role of Security Cameras in Washington State Slip and Fall Claims
Every day, thousands of people across the U.S. slip and fall through no fault of their own. We’re talking about shoppers, pedestrians, people visiting their doctors, workers, and more. Slip and fall accidents don’t always look like much, until you’re the one on the ground. One second, you’re walking through a grocery store or crossing…
Read MoreSpecial Considerations for Pedestrian Injury Claims in Vancouver
You might think a pedestrian injury claim is just like any other personal injury case. However, when it comes to getting hit while walking in a city like Vancouver, the road to recovery can be a lot more complicated. That’s why if you’ve been injured, you’ll want to work with a pedestrian accident lawyer who…
Read MoreCommon Misconceptions About Bicycle Accident Claims in Washington
If you’ve ever been hit while riding your bike (or know someone who has) you’ve probably heard a lot of opinions about what you can and can’t do legally. But here’s the thing: much of what people think they know about bicycle accident claims in Washington just isn’t true. These misconceptions can cost you time,…
Read MorePhilbrook Law Celebrates 20 Years
On March 18, Philbrook Law celebrated an important milestone. Twenty years ago, Philbrook Law opened its doors with a simple but powerful mission – to stand by the people of Washington State during their most challenging times. Matthew Philbrook, who began practicing law in 2001, founded our law firm. Over time, the firm has grown…
Read MoreBicycle Laws in WA
Do you know your rights as a cyclist in Washington? Bicycle laws protect your right to ride safely, but drivers do not always follow the rules. If you were hurt in a crash, you might be struggling with medical bills, income losses, and painful injuries. You should not have to handle these burdens alone. A…
Read MoreThe Hands-Free Law in Washington
According to data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 30 percent of fatalities and 23 percent of serious injuries in car crashes in the state result from distracted driving. The Commission also found that 70 percent of distracted drivers were using their cell phones. The state passed the Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act,…
Read MoreWashington’s Vulnerable Road User Law: What Cyclists Need to Know
In Washington State, sharing the road is the law. That’s true whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike. However, because cyclists are among the most vulnerable, Washington’s “Vulnerable Road User” law offers special protections. If you’re a cyclist navigating urban streets or Washington’s rural roads, this law was designed with your safety in…
Read MoreWhat to Do After an Accident Involving a Rental Car in Washington
Auto accidents happen every day. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, Seattle alone experienced almost 3,000 auto accidents in just the first nine months of 2024. That doesn’t include other cities like Tacoma, Olympia, Yakima, or Spokane. Accidents are stressful enough, but when a rental car is involved, things can get pretty complicated.…
Read MoreThe Rising Costs of Auto Insurance in Oregon and Washington Make Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage More Important Than Ever
Washington State and the rest of the country have recently seen car insurance costs spike. While annual rate hikes are the norm, the new numbers suggest unprecedented jumps in costs for drivers. Sadly, those increased costs could lead to more drivers getting behind the wheel without coverage or with minimal coverage. As a result, drivers…
Read MoreCommon Myths About Personal Injury Claims
If you decide to file a personal injury claim after an accident, there is a strong possibility that you have mentioned filing a claim to friends and family members. In doing so, you might have been met with various myths about the legal process. People hold certain misconceptions about personal injury claims. When you hear…
Read MoreThe Importance of Gathering Evidence After an Accident
Accidents are traumatic events, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed in the aftermath. However, it’s important to keep calm, take the appropriate steps to hold the at-fault party accountable and seek compensation for your damages. One of the most important steps is gathering evidence. By doing this, you can build a claim against the at-fault…
Read MoreWhat Are Lost Wages?
Accidents such as car crashes can completely upend your life. Instead of focusing on work and other commitments, your entire existence may need to shift to healing and recovering. The costs related to medical treatment are often extensive. However, they are not the only financial strain placed on those who suffer personal injuries. The harm…
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