Having practiced law for 15 years in Oregon, Paul Galm understands the needs of his clients both in court and during the daily headache of dealing with the effect of car crash injuries. Paul’s goal is simple–get his clients fully compensated with the least amount of pain and trouble so that they can get on with their lives. Call today for a free consultation. If your case is not won, you do not have to pay for legal services. Paul prides himself on speaking personally with victims so that he can answer all of their questions, rather than having his staff talk to clients.
Car Accidents
Paul has handled all types of car accident cases–big and small. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to a recovery. We can help you fight for medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for additional inconveniences.
Motorcycle Accidents
When a motorcycle accident happens, even motorcyclists wearing proper head, eye and body protection are no match for the impact of another vehicle or the road itself. We can help you take action to get the compensation you deserve and show you were not at fault.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident cases have special rules that apply to them. Your insurance company might be required to pay for a portion of your injuries despise who was at fault. We have experience working with victims of pedestrian accidents, whether it is in court or handling the confusing intricacies of insurance.
Truck Accidents
Your Portland and Beaverton, Oregon trucking accident attorney should be familiar with the unique issues involving the trucking industry, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. We know federal trucking regulations well and have worked with experts in the field for years.
Bicycle Accidents
As a top biking city in the US, Portland and its surrounding areas have a high potential for bike accidents. Having been injured in a biking accident himself, Paul knows what victims go through. You need a bicycle attorney with a proven track record of successfully representing cyclists in our community.
5 Steps - What to do after an Accident
1. Collect and Exchange Information
Ask to see the bad driver’s license to and take down the license number. Do not take the reckless driver’s word about what his or her name was. Take pictures with your phone of all cars involved – even the debris field which can be helpful to an accident reconstructionist if needed. Make sure to call the police. A police report is often a great source of information, but it does not always determine who was at fault.
2. Get Medical Treatment
See a doctor. It is better to see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure you are okay and to have proof to show to the insurance companies. Insurance companies might argue against your case by asking why you waited a few weeks to see a doctor, so act fast. Your health is always more important.
3. Start a Claim With Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance and get a claim number. Take advantage of your personal injury protection (PIP) rights. They will pay for medicals, lost wages, child care and even cleaning your house. Some policies have a noncooperation clause that states that if you do not cooperate and give them notice, down the road they can deny payments.
4. DON’T Talk to the Bad Driver’s Insurance Company
Avoid signing and giving statements to the opposing insurance. You might end up telling the insurance company too much information that could hurt your case or sign a settlement agreement prematurely.
5. Determine if You Need an Oregon Auto Accident Attorney
A local lawyer will help you by dealing with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. A lawyer can help with doctors trying to collect money from you as you wait for the bad driver to pay up. A car accident personal injury lawyer knows what you should and should not do in the first few days and weeks after the motor vehicle accident.