Jeremiah Ross Selected to The National Trial Lawyers "Top-100"

Personal Injury and Civil Rights lawyer, Jeremiah Ross, was selected to the 2025 National Trial Lawyers Top 100. According to The National Trial Lawyers, the Top 100 “is an invitation-only professional organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state or region who meet precise qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers. Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase objective and uniformly applied process which includes peer nominations as well as third-party research. Membership is extended only to a select few of the most qualified attorneys from each state or region who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature, and public profile measured by equitable and uniformly applied standards in compliance with state bar and model rule.”

How Passengers injured in an Oregon Crash Can Navigate Insurance to Get Bills Paid

Insurance issues can be complex for people to navigate. They become more complicated when dealing with passengers involved in a car crash or motor vehicle crash. Typically, passengers injured in motor vehicle crashes are focused on getting their medical bills paid first.

Every motor vehicle insurance policy issued in Oregon provides a minimum of $15,000.00 coverage to pay reasonable and necessary crash-related medical bills. Additionally, PIP policies can pay for lost wages and other benefits. The issue with passengers is which insurance policy pays first, and can the injured person use multiple insurance policies?

In Oregon, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policies can stack, meaning multiple policies may apply to a single accident, especially when medical bills exceed $15,000 within two years. Under ORS 742.526, the law outlines a clear order of which policy pays first when more than one is available:

1. Primary Coverage: The PIP policy on the vehicle involved in the accident is the first to provide benefits, covering the driver and any passengers. In other words, the vehicle the passenger was riding in will provide coverage first.

2. Secondary Coverage: If the injured passenger has their own PIP policy (from a different vehicle they own), it can provide additional coverage once the primary policy is exhausted.

3. Tertiary Coverage: If the injured person lives with a family member who has a PIP policy on another vehicle, that policy may also apply after the first two are maxed out.

This stacking structure ensures that injured parties may access all available coverage options in a tiered manner, offering added financial protection in serious accidents.

Insurance issues are never easy to navigate, and Oregon personal injury lawyers such as Jeremiah Ross work to relieve the stress from dealing with insurers. If you or someone you know has been injured in an Oregon car crash, please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658 for your free personal injury consultation.

Please remember this blog is for informational purposes only. Please do not solely rely on this post and consult with a lawyer and the law. Please remember the law is constantly changing.

Oregonlive Exposes Dangerous Truck Drivers on Oregon's Roads-What if you are hurt by them?

Oregonlive recently exposed a bribery scheme where a commercial truck driving school was paying an independent tester approximately $500 in exchange for a commercial driver’s license. According to Oregonlive, investigators suspected Skyline CDL school in Washington arranged for the Washington tester to be paid in exchange for the tester providing the students a passing grade on their commercial truck driver test regardless of whether the students passed the test or not. This resulted in many inexperienced and knowledgeable students receiving a commercial driver’s license when they did not meet the requirements.

This is a major concern because the scheme permitted numerous unqualified and inexperienced truck drivers to operate 80,000-pound tractor-trailer trucks on Oregon and Washington’s roads. 80% of the drivers who were retested and received suspected fraudulent licenses did not receive a passing grade.

These unqualified drivers can cause accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. When it turns out that the truck driver involved was operating without passing the commercial driver’s license (CDL) test, the legal implications become even more serious. In such cases, victims may have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit not only against the driver but also potentially against the trucking company, the school that arranged for the bribery, or other responsible parties. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering legal action after an accident caused by an unqualified truck driver.

The Legal Duty of Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies

Truck drivers who operate large commercial vehicles are held to high safety standards under both state and federal regulations. Possessing a valid CDL is not just a formality—it signifies that the driver has undergone proper training and testing to safely operate a commercial vehicle. When a driver operates without passing the commercial driver’s license teste, they breach their legal duty to operate safely and legally.

Trucking companies also have a responsibility to verify that their drivers are properly licensed and qualified. Allowing or negligently failing to check a driver’s credentials can expose the company to liability under the legal doctrine of negligent hiring or retention.

Filing a Civil Lawsuit: Who Can Be Held Liable?

A civil lawsuit after an accident involving an unlicensed truck driver typically seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue:

• The unlicensed truck driver: For negligence, recklessness, or illegal operation of a commercial vehicle.

• The trucking company or employer: If the company knowingly or negligently allowed the driver to operate without a license, or failed to perform proper background checks.

• Other third parties: Such as the school that arranged for the bribery scheme to pay for the license, or the tester or testing agency.

Proving Negligence in an Unlicensed Driver Case

To succeed in a civil lawsuit, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove that the driver and/or company were negligent. Key evidence may include:

• The driver’s driving record and proof of license status, and proof the driver took the driver’s test

• Employment records from the trucking company

• Police reports and accident investigation findings

• Witness statements and dashcam footage

The fact that the driver lacked a valid CDL can serve as strong evidence of negligence, but it must be tied directly to the cause of the accident. For example, was the driver unable to control the vehicle due to lack of training? Did their improper maneuver cause the collision?

Potential Damages and Compensation

Victims of accidents involving unlicensed truck drivers may be entitled to compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Lost income and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Property damage

• In a case involving a driver who received a commercial driver’s license through a bribe will certainly expose the defendants to punitive damages to punish egregious misconduct

The presence of an unlicensed driver may increase the likelihood of punitive damages, especially if the trucking company acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for public safety.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Cases involving unlicensed truck drivers can be complex, especially when corporate liability and insurance issues are involved. Trucking companies and their insurers may aggressively defend against claims to minimize payouts. An experienced personal injury attorney , such as Jeremiah Ross, and Ross Law LLC can help investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for maximum compensation.

Final Thoughts

An accident caused by an unlicensed truck driver is more than just a traffic violation—it’s a breach of public trust and safety that can have devastating consequences. Victims have legal rights to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit, and holding negligent drivers and companies accountable is an important step toward justice and safety on the roads.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an unlicensed truck driver, consulting with a qualified attorney, such as Jeremiah Ross, at 503.224.1658 can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

Need help navigating a truck accident case? Reach out to personal injury lawyer Jeremiah Ross to discuss your commercial vehicle accidents to get started with your claim. Please remember this post is for information purposes only.

3 Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Oregon Car Crash

Navigating the aftermath of a car crash can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Insurance Companies in Oregon are focused on minimizing the amount of money you get, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed and at a disadvantage. However, with the right approach, you can enhance your negotiation skills and secure a fair settlement. Here are three tips to help you effectively negotiate with insurance companies after a car crash.

Document Everything

The importance of thorough documentation cannot be overstated when negotiating with insurance companies. From the moment the accident occurs, start collecting and preserving evidence. This includes gathering information at the scene, such as exchanging contact details with the other party involved, taking pictures of the vehicles and the accident scene, and noting the names and badge numbers of responding law enforcement officers.

Additionally, keep a detailed record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any related receipts. This documentation serves as tangible evidence of the extent of your injuries and the financial losses incurred. Insurance companies often rely on these records when assessing the validity and severity of your claim. By presenting a well-documented case, you strengthen your negotiating position and provide a clear picture of the impact the accident has had on your life.

Also, document when you speak with an insurance company and who you speak with. If you are using the insurance company’s app then screen shot the correspondence to preserve the communication. Preserve all email correspondence with the insurer. This information is invaluable so you don’t feel overwhelmed with trying to remember what you have previously discussed or sent in. It is fairly common for insurers to deny receiving documents or correspondence.

Understand Your Policy and Rights

One common mistake individuals make when negotiating with insurance companies is not fully understanding their insurance policy and legal rights. Take the time to carefully review your policy to know the coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions that may apply to your situation. Knowledge is power, and being well-informed allows you to speak confidently during negotiations.

Moreover, familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations governing insurance claims in your jurisdiction. Each state may have different rules regarding fault determination, deadlines for filing claims, and limitations on damages. Armed with this knowledge, you can assert your rights effectively and challenge any unjust denials or lowball offers from the insurance company.

Consider Seeking Professional Assistance

Insurance negotiations can be complex, and the tactics used by insurance adjusters may catch you off guard. Insurers that can make the process more stressful and overwhelming know that you are likely to take a low settlement offer to avoid future stress and frustration. In such cases, enlisting the help of a skilled attorney such as Ross Law LLC experienced in car crash cases can make a significant difference. Personal injury attorneys, such as Jeremiah Ross, specialize in negotiating with insurance companies and can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Attorneys possess the legal expertise to interpret policy language, assess the true value of your claim, and navigate the complexities of the negotiation process. They can also handle communication with the insurance company, alleviating the stress and burden on you. While legal representation may involve fees, the potential increase in your settlement often outweighs the costs, making it a valuable investment in securing a just outcome. If you have questions regarding your personal injury case call Ross Law at 503.224.1658.

Conclusion

Negotiating with insurance companies after a car crash requires a strategic and well-informed approach. By documenting everything, understanding your policy and rights, and considering professional assistance, you can enhance your chances of reaching a fair settlement. Remember, the key to successful negotiation is being well-prepared and assertive in advocating for your rights and compensation.

Please remember this blog post is for informational purposes only. Please consult with an attorney regarding your Oregon personal injury case to ensure all of your rights and obligations are understood.

Jeremiah Ross Honored by Law School

California Western School of Law recognized Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer Jeremiah Ross for being selected as an Oregon Super Lawyer in the Personal Injury Category.

“Jeremiah, you are an inspiration to all of us and a major force for good in the legal profession.”

— Sean M. Scott, President and Dean of California Western School of Law

If you or someone you know is in need of an Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer call Ross Law at 503.224.1658 for your free personal injury consultation. Please note blog posts may be considered Attorney Advertising.

2019 Was An Incredible Year for Ross Law's Clients!

2019 was an amazing year for Ross Law and our Clients! Ross Law worked tirelessly to assist Oregonians to obtain maximum compensation for their Personal Injury cases, wrongful death cases, crime victim cases, insurance disputes, and consumer cases.

Below is a rundown on some of the results from 2019:

• $2,225,000.00 Jury Trial Verdict where Jeremiah Ross co-counseled a two-week medical malpractice & Patient Safety case with another attorney against one of Oregon’s top medical malpractice defense law firms. Click HERE for more information on that case.

• Significant Settlement in Case Against DHS and others in a case where our young client was abused and neglected while she was in the legal custody of the Department of Human Services. Click HERE for more information on the lawsuit against Oregon’s DHS & CPS.

• Confidential Settlement in Wrongful Death Case against a mental health provider whose negligence resulted in a schizophrenic’s suicide;

• Confidential Settlement received in a civil domestic violence case against an abuser. Ross Law represented a young survivor of domestic violence and filed a lawsuit against the abuser after he was convicted of his crimes in criminal court. As a crime victim’s lawyer, Ross Law fought tirelessly to cut through very complex legal issues to ensure the victim received compensation to regain the power and control of her life.

• $100,000.00 settlement for Ross Law’s client who was backed over by a vehicle while she was urinating behind the vehicle due to her intoxication. The bad driver’s insurance company denied any liability until Jeremiah Ross litigated the matter.

• Insurance Benefits obtained for a client who the insurer denied personal injury protection benefits to a cyclist who was thrown into a car at a stop sign. The stopped vehicle’s insurer denied benefits based on its interpretation of the law that the cyclist had to be “struck by” the vehicle. The judge ordered the Insurance Company to pay the cyclist $15,000.00 in denied insurance benefits and the cyclist’s costs and attorney fees. Click HERE for more information on that case.

• Insurance Benefits obtained for a client who was wrongfully denied Personal Injury Protection benefits from USAA and Auto Injury Solutions. The judge ordered USAA to pay the outstanding benefits and our client’s costs and attorney fees. Click HERE for more information on that case.

• Numerous favorable Settlements in Lemon Law and Auto Dealership Fraud Cases. These settlements included cash that was paid directly to our clients by the dealership, buy-backs of vehicles, unwinding car deals, and the dealership or auto manufacturers paid Ross Law’s consumer client’s costs and attorney fees.

There were many other amazing results for or clients! Please remember that results for all clients will vary. Each case is different. Some cases are better than others. If you, or someone you know, needs a personal injury lawyer, wrongful death lawyer, crime victim’s lawyer, or consumer lawyer please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658.