Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Dog Bites, Slip and Fall
Do You Need an Injury Attorney?
We offer a FREE consultation for all personal injury cases and there are no attorney fees unless you recover. Call 503-648-4777 during normal business hours and speak with a highly rated Hillsboro personal injury attorney immediately.
Each year, millions of Americans suffer injuries in all types of accidents. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 97.9 million people visit the emergency department for unintentional injuries each year. On average, 173,040 people die from accidents in the U.S. annually.
Many of these accidents are just bad luck. But in some cases, a person was seriously injured due to the carelessness or intentional behavior of someone else. In these situations, an injury victim can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover compensation for their injuries.
Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. If you have been hurt in an accident, our Hillsboro, Oregon personal injury lawyers can help. We offer free initial consultations for all prospective clients and handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis – which means that you pay nothing upfront for our services.
Learn more about personal injury law in Oregon
- When to hire a personal injury lawyer
- Are personal injury lawyers worth it?
- Can you still file an accident claim if you are partially at fault?
- Case types we handle at Harris Velázquez Gibbens
- Getting compensation for your injuries
- What makes our personal injury law firm unique?
- Highlighting our client results
- Contact our team to get a full recovery for your injuries
Why Hire Us for Your Personal Injury Claim in Hillsboro?
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we understand how being injured impacts your health, your work, and your daily life. Based in Hillsboro, we’ve built our reputation on practical guidance, skilled negotiation, and strong courtroom advocacy for injured clients across the Portland metro area and beyond. Here’s why so many people trust us with their personal injury cases.
- We Focus on Personal Injury Law: Each lawyer at our firm focuses on a specific practice area, and for our personal injury team, that means staying up to date on Oregon injury law, insurance practices, and the types of cases we handle most, such as car accidents, dog bites, and serious falls. This focus allows us to build stronger cases, avoid common legal pitfalls, and push for better outcomes for our clients.
- We Know the Local Area: We handle personal injury cases across Washington County and the greater Portland area, including Clackamas, Multnomah, Yamhill, Marion, and Columbia Counties. We know the courts, the judges, and the insurance adjusters who handle these cases. That local experience helps us prepare claims that meet the expectations of the courts and anticipate how insurers might try to reduce or deny your financial compensation.
- We Offer Practical, Cost-Effective Legal Help: Pursuing a personal injury claim shouldn’t drain your finances or drag on longer than necessary. Our Hillsboro personal injury lawyers approach every case with efficiency in mind. Whether that means negotiating a full settlement early or taking a case to trial if needed, we’re focused on settling your claim as soon as possible. You get clear communication, a defined plan, and no unnecessary delays.
- We’re Skilled Trial Attorneys and Negotiators: Some firms settle quickly to avoid the courtroom. We prepare every case as if it could go to a jury trial. That approach gives you leverage during negotiations and sends a clear message to the other side: we’re ready to fight for you.
If you’re not sure whether you have a case or if we’re the right firm for you, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. This conversation allows you to describe your situation, learn about our approach, and get a breakdown of our fees, which come out of your personal injury settlement or award. You owe us nothing up front.
When Should You Hire a Hillsboro, OR Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you have been injured in an accident in or near Hillsboro, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Even if the other party’s insurance company accepts responsibility or offers you a settlement right away, that does not mean they are acting in your best interest. In fact, early settlement offers are often made to limit the insurance company’s payout before the full extent of your injuries is known.
Insurance adjusters may sound helpful or sympathetic, but their job is to protect the company’s bottom line. Their goal is to resolve claims quickly and for the lowest amount possible, not to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, or long-term complications.
By speaking with a civil injury lawyer before accepting any offer, you give yourself a better chance to recover the full value of your claim. An experienced attorney can help you understand what your case is actually worth, taking into account not just immediate medical costs but also ongoing care, rehabilitation, future income loss, and the emotional toll of the injury.
Research consistently shows that people who hire legal counsel recover more than those who try to handle their cases alone. In fact, studies have found that injury victims represented by lawyers may receive up to 40 percent more in compensation than those who go it alone. That difference can cover your medical treatment, protect your financial stability, and give you the resources you need to heal and move forward.
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we offer a free initial legal evaluation so you can find out where you stand. We’ll explain your options, review any insurance offers you’ve received, and help you decide on the next step, all with no pressure or obligation to commit. If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer, that conversation can give you clarity and peace of mind.
Is It Worth Getting a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Yes, insurance companies are profitable for a reason. They succeed by collecting premiums and paying out as little as possible in claims. One of the most common strategies they use is to minimize, delay, or outright deny legitimate injury claims. While this business model benefits their shareholders, it often leaves injured people struggling to cover basic costs like medical care, lost income, and rehabilitation.
If you’re recovering from an accident, this can create a serious financial burden. You may receive an offer that seems reasonable at first glance, but in many cases, it won’t come close to covering the full impact of your injuries, especially if you have ongoing care needs or are unable to return to work.
The most effective way to protect yourself is to work with an experienced personal injury law firm. When you have a lawyer in your corner, insurance companies know they can’t use pressure or misleading tactics to push you into a low settlement. Instead of relying on the insurance adjuster’s opinion, your attorney will gather evidence, document your financial losses, and negotiate from a position of strength.
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we help injury victims in Hillsboro and throughout Oregon level the playing field. Whether you’re dealing with a company like Allstate, GEICO, or State Farm, we understand how these insurers operate, and we know how to hold them accountable. Our goal is to help you secure a fair settlement or verdict that truly reflects what you’ve lost, so you can focus on recovery without the stress of financial uncertainty.
I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident. Can I Still File a Claim for Damages?
Probably. Oregon follows a legal rule known as modified comparative negligence to determine fault and compensation in personal injury cases. Under this rule, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by the degree of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you are found to be 30 percent at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would still be eligible to recover $70,000. But if you are found to be 51 percent or more responsible, you would not be able to recover anything under Oregon law.
Cases involving shared fault can be more difficult to resolve. Insurance companies often try to shift as much blame onto the injured person as possible to reduce what they have to pay. That’s why it is important to have a Hillsboro personal injury lawyer who understands how comparative fault works and can push back against unfair claims.
A personal injury attorney in Hillsboro can collect the evidence needed to clearly show how the accident happened and who was truly at fault. At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we use Oregon law to your advantage and work to minimize any blame assigned to you. This legal process helps ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident. Can I Still File a Claim for Damages?
Probably. Oregon follows a legal rule known as modified comparative negligence to determine fault and compensation in personal injury cases. Under this rule, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by the degree of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you are found to be 30 percent at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would still be eligible to recover $70,000. But if you are found to be 51 percent or more responsible, you would not be able to recover anything under Oregon law.
Cases involving shared fault can be more difficult to resolve. Insurance companies often try to shift as much blame onto the injured person as possible to reduce what they have to pay. That’s why it is important to have a Hillsboro personal injury lawyer who understands how comparative fault works and can push back against unfair claims.
A personal injury attorney in Hillsboro can collect the evidence needed to clearly show how the accident happened and who was truly at fault. At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we use Oregon law to your advantage and work to minimize any blame assigned to you. This legal process helps ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Getting Compensation for Your Injuries
Personal injury cases are typically based on a theory of negligence, which is the failure to use the care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation. If you can prove that the other party (defendant) was negligent in some way, then you will be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. For example, if another driver rear ends your vehicle while texting and driving, their distracted driving would be considered negligent behavior.
Through an Oregon personal injury claim, you may be able to recover three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Typically, punitive damages are only available in cases where the defendant acted recklessly or intentionally, such as a drunk driving accident. That is because punitive damages are meant to punish a wrongdoer, rather than compensate you for your losses.
Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses that result from your injury. These may include:
- Medical bills for emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation (physical therapy), and ongoing treatment.
- Future medical costs if your recovery will require long-term care or follow-up procedures.
- Property damage, such as repairs or replacement of a vehicle involved in a crash.
- Lost wages if your injury kept you from working temporarily or permanently.
- A reduced ability to earn income if your physical limitations prevent you from returning to your job.
- Costs to modify your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability.
Non-economic damages account for the personal impact of the injury that cannot be measured in exact dollars. This type of damage often includes:
- Physical pain that interferes with daily living and quality of life.
- Suffering caused by chronic discomfort, sleeplessness, or reduced mobility.
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement that alters your appearance or confidence.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, which is a diminished ability to enjoy hobbies, activities, or relationships as you did before.
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or psychological trauma linked to the accident.
- Loss of companionship (also known as loss of consortium) for married couples.
For wrongful death cases, non-economic damages are limited to $500,000. In a recent Oregon Supreme Court ruling, this damage cap was found to be unconstitutional as applied to any other type of personal injury claim. As a result, there is no limit on the number of noneconomic damages that an injury victim (plaintiff) can recover under Oregon law.Our Track Record for Clients
Since we opened in 1997, we have secured millions of dollars for our clients.
Confidential Seven-Figure Settlement – Semi-Truck Collision
A collision between two semi-trucks caused one truck to crash into a passenger vehicle, resulting in catastrophic injuries. After nearly three years of litigation, we secured a confidential seven-figure settlement for our clients.
Seven-Figure Settlement – Semi-Truck and Car Passenger
A passenger in a car was struck by a semi-truck and sustained serious injuries. We recovered a seven-figure settlement on the client’s behalf.
Seven-Figure Settlement – Head-On Collision and Workers’ Compensation Claim
Our client was involved in a head-on crash that caused catastrophic injuries. The case involved multiple defendants and a concurrent workers’ compensation claim. We obtained a seven-figure settlement following litigation.
Seven-Figure Settlement – Spanish-Speaking Client Injured by Semi-Truck
Our Spanish-speaking client was severely injured in an auto accident involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck. The case was resolved for a seven-figure amount due to the significant damages involved.
$450,000 Settlement – Pedestrian Hit by Car
A pedestrian suffered serious orthopedic injuries after being struck by a car. The client required extensive rehabilitation. We recovered $450,000 in compensation.
$200,000 Settlement – Bicyclist Injured by Vehicle
A bicyclist sustained multiple orthopedic injuries following a collision with a vehicle. The client required rehabilitation, and we secured a $200,000 settlement.
$100,000 Settlement – Dog Bite Injury
While jogging, our client was bitten by a dog, resulting in injuries to the heel and a partial tear of the Achilles tendon. The case was resolved for $100,000.
Confidential Seven-Figure Settlement – Pedestrian Struck by Semi-Truck
Our client, a pedestrian, was hit by a semi-truck while crossing the street. The impact caused a permanent brain injury and other serious conditions requiring rehabilitation. The case settled for a confidential seven-figure amount.
$200,000 Settlement – Rear-End Collision with Workers’ Compensation Claim
Our client was rear-ended and suffered significant neck and back injuries that required surgery. We resolved the personal injury claim for $200,000 and also successfully handled the concurrent workers’ compensation matter.
$250,000 Settlement – Rear-End Collision Causing Tinnitus and Vertigo
A rear-end crash caused our client to suffer from tinnitus and vertigo. We negotiated a $250,000 settlement and managed the related workers’ compensation claim.
$280,000 Settlement – Pedestrian-Vehicle Accident with Workers’ Compensation Claim
A motor vehicle struck our client, causing a labral tear in the hip that required surgery and later a hip replacement. We obtained a $280,000 settlement and resolved the related workers’ compensation claim.
$90,000 Settlement – Slip and Fall Injury
An elderly client was injured in a fall during a home remodeling project due to unsafe conditions. The client sustained significant orthopedic injuries and required rehabilitation. The case settled for $90,000.
The Winning Edge – Have a Team Working For You
There are a lot of personal injury lawyers you can hire. But we offer an exceptional service that many other attorneys can’t: A TEAM.
Every week, our team of personal injury attorneys, lawyers and paralegals, meets to review our new cases and important developments in our current cases. Your personal attorney will present your case to our team. We discuss what insurance companies are offering in similar cases, how different insurance adjusters negotiate cases, and what judges and juries are doing in cases similar to yours. You are guaranteed that your case will be presented and reviewed by our team multiple times.
Before you speak to an insurance company speak with a trusted, qualified and experienced Hillsboro injury attorney at Harris Velázquez Gibbens. We work on a contingency fee basis, so no attorney fees unless you reach a settlement!
Speak to a Hillsboro Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Serious accidents and injuries don’t just cause temporary physical pain, they can cause a lifetime of suffering, mental anguish, lost income, and expenses. And they can be a terrible hardship on family members left to care for the injured person.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident or someone you know has suffered a wrongful death, then you need to know our commitment to you: No case is settled until it is settled right. Call 503-483-8644 to speak directly with a personal injury attorney, or email us the details of your injury so we can start to help you during this difficult time.
Get Full Recovery For your Injuries
Serious accidents and injuries don’t just cause temporary physical pain, they can cause a lifetime of suffering, mental anguish, lost income, and expenses. And they can be a terrible hardship on family members left to care for the injured person. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident or some you know has suffered a wrongful death, then you need to know our commitment to you: No case is settled until it is settled right. Call 503-648-4777 to speak directly with a personal injury attorney, or email us the details of your injury so we can start to help you today.
Why Hire Us?
The Winning Edge – Have a Team Working For You
There are a lot of personal injury lawyers you can hire. But we offer a service that many other attorneys can’t: A TEAM.
Every week our team of personal injury attorneys, lawyers and paralegals, meets to review our new cases and important developments in our current cases. Your personal attorney will present your case to our team. We discuss what insurance companies are offering in similar cases, how different insurance adjustors negotiate cases, and what judges and juries are doing in cases similar to yours. You are guaranteed that your case will be presented and reviewed by our team multiple times.
You aren’t hiring an attorney. You’re hiring a winning team.
Before you speak to an insurance company speak with a trusted, qualified and experienced HIllsboro Injury Attorney at Harris Velázquez Gibbens. Call Today for a FREE consultation… 503-648-4777 – Get Help. FREE consultation, in-person. No attorney fees unless you reach a settlement!
Personal Treatment – Compassion – Service – Harris Velázquez Gibbens
What will it be like to be a client of ours? You will be pleasantly surprised. We believe in personal as well as professional service. We will take care of your legal needs. Unlike some large impersonal law offices, where you might feel as if you are just a number, we care about you and your concerns and we will do everything in our power to help you. You will be able to speak with your lawyer personally, not just with legal assistants and paralegals.
