TIP OF THE MONTH ARCHIVES

These tips are intended to educate the reader about areas of the law that make up my practice. This information may be helpful to do-it-yourselfers or may simply increase the reader’s knowledge and understanding of the legal system.

More On Automobile Diminished Value

Did you know that in Oregon if you are in an accident and your own insurance company repairs your vehicle (under your collision or comprehensive coverage) you are entitled to payment for the diminished resale value of the vehicle?

For example, if you pull a Tiger Woods and drive into a fire hydrant and a tree all by yourself, your insurance company has to do more than fix your car: it has to pay for the diminishment of the car’s resale value. Cars that have been in accidents are worth less than cars that have not. (You may think that it’s not the insurance company’s fault that you damaged your car, but that is beside the point. You pay for this type of insurance, and you should get what you have paid for when you need it.)

And, if you think you have a claim like this, I would like to hear from you. In particular, I am looking for someone in the following circumstance:

• Had an automobile insurance policy that was valid at the time of the accident;
• The insurance company repaired the insured car (rather than declaring it a total loss);
• The amount paid for repairs in conjunction with the accident was $1,000 or greater;
• The automobile was less than 6 years old at the time of the accident;
• The automobile had less than 90,000 miles at the time of the accident;
• The automobile suffered frame damage, needed substantial bodywork or required other major repairs;
• You still own the vehicle (desirable, yet not absolutely required);
• You did not receive payment for diminished resale value of the vehicle.

If you are in a situation like this, please give me a call at (503) 222-7178.

Areas of Expertise

Personal Injury

Auto, Truck, Car & Bike Accidents · Products Liability · Slip & Fall Accidents · Wrongful Death · Pedestrian Accidents

Criminal Law

Assault · Domestic Violence · Drugs · Fraud · Identity Theft · Measure 11 Offenses · Property Crimes · Theft

Consumer & Civil Rights

Auto Purchases · Consumer Fraud · Lemon Law · Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) · Discrimination · Prisoner Cases

Wills & Estates

Wills · Trusts · Estate Planning · Probate · Will Contests · Power of Attorney · Advance Directives | Living Wills