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I became a personal injury lawyer long before I became a personal injury client. For years, I fought for people whose lives were turned upside down by negligence and insurance companies that treated their suffering like a math problem. Then, in 2019, I became seriously ill, my body and mind began failing, and no one could tell me why.
I’m Dave Eltringham, and I learned firsthand that the harms and losses innocent victims suffer are often far greater than most people, including attorneys and insurance companies, will ever understand.
I was eventually diagnosed with toxic mold poisoning caused by hidden black mold in my office ceiling from a flood that had not been properly remediated. By the time doctors found it, I had suffered a collapsed lung and a severe brain injury.
That experience changed everything for me. I know what it feels like to be scared, dismissed, exhausted, and desperate for someone to believe you. And I know how insurance companies use overwhelm, low offers, and delay to pressure injured people into accepting less than they deserve.
That’s where I come in. This work is personal to me.
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Every year, thousands of Portland drivers are injured in crashes caused by someone else’s carelessness, at dangerous intersections like NE 82nd & Sandy, on congested stretches of I-205, and along rain-slicked arterials like Barbur Boulevard where stopping distances are deceptively long.
The other driver’s insurance company doesn’t wait. Their adjusters begin building a case against you the moment the crash is reported, often before you’ve even left the emergency room at OHSU or Legacy Emanuel. They will call. They will record. And anything you say will be used to reduce what you’re owed.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: insurance adjusters begin to build their case against you immediately after your accident. They gather all the evidence they can find, record your statement, and create their defense while you’re still in the emergency room. Any words you say to them will be used to lower the amount of money you receive as compensation for your injuries.
As your car accident lawyer in Portland, I handle every conversation with the insurance companies. You focus on healing. I focus on building your case. We investigate the scene, talk to witnesses, review police reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts when needed.
Auto wrecks involving trucks are much more severe than wrecks involving automobiles, and the laws governing truck wrecks are much more complicated. In addition, the trucking companies have entire departments of attorneys and investigators that begin investigating the accident as soon as their driver calls in to report the wreck.
The complexity of these issues necessitates experienced counsel familiar with both Oregon and Federal laws. We thoroughly investigate these wrecks, interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence such as dash cams, black boxes, cell phones, and photos from the scene. Our experience includes dealing with multiple defendants, including but not limited to motor carriers, manufacturers, and shippers. Our goal is to provide our clients with maximum available compensation.
Portland, OR, is a motorcycle-friendly town, but unfortunately, many of its residents drive without paying attention to motorcyclists.
Unfortunately, motorcycle wrecks are subject to unfair prejudice. Many insurance companies believe that motorcycle operators are reckless, and therefore, the operators are the primary cause of their own wrecks. These same insurance companies will claim that the motorcyclist was speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, or simply showing off.
We counteract this prejudice with evidence. We use helmet-mounted cameras, skid marks, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction to prove that the motorcyclist was not responsible for the wreck.
Dog bites can occur in a matter of seconds. A momentary lapse in judgment can lead to you being bitten by a dog and seriously injured.
Oregon law provides that if a dog has a prior bite history, then the owner is held strictly liable for the injuries and damages sustained by individuals bitten by their dogs. This means that the dog owner is liable (financially responsible) regardless of whether she did anything wrong that caused or contributed to the bite incident. But dog bite victims may still be entitled to compensation even if the dog does not have a prior bite history if there is evidence that the owner’s actions or inactions led up to or contributed to the attack. This is why it is critically important to hire an experienced dog bite injury attorney. Especially since dog bite cases often involve serious infections, scarring, and other injuries requiring costly and prolonged medical treatment.
Most of these cases are funded by homeowner’s insurance policies. However, insurance companies will vigorously defend these claims. They will claim that you provoked the dog. They will claim that you were trespassing on their property. They will offer you a low-ball settlement and hope that you settle.
We do not accept low-ball settlements.
Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way Portland residents travel. However, their presence has created a number of new and confusing issues related to insurance coverage when their drivers are involved in wrecks.
Rideshare wrecks are governed by three separate insurance policies based upon the status of the driver. For example, when the driver is not waiting for a ride request, the driver is considered uninsured. However, when the driver is en route to meet a rider, the driver is insured under a $100,000/$300,000/$25,000 policy. Finally, when the driver is actively transporting a rider, the driver is insured under a $1,000,000 policy.
Figuring out which of these policies applies can be a difficult task requiring specialized knowledge of the applicable laws.
Fortunately, when a rideshare driver is actively engaged in providing transportation services, they are covered by a $1,000,000 policy. Unfortunately, the insurance companies will aggressively defend these claims.
Portland, OR, has a vision of becoming a pedestrian-friendly city. Unfortunately, we are far from achieving that goal. Each year, drivers strike pedestrians in marked crosswalks, at bus stops, and in parking lots.
Pedestrian wrecks can result in life-altering injuries. These include broken hips, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. These types of injuries require serious compensation, not quick settlements.
Oregon law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at crosswalks where pedestrians are present. It also requires drivers to yield to pedestrians when turning and to look around their vehicle before backing up. If a driver fails to comply with these requirements, the driver will be held liable for any injuries sustained by the pedestrian.
There is no way to repair the emotional pain and suffering associated with losing a loved one due to the negligence of another individual. However, as wrongful death lawyers, we can ensure that the death of your loved one results in consequences for the responsible party. We can also assist your family in moving forward.
Under Oregon law, wrongful death cases allow families to recover for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and the loss of companionship and affection. Wrongful death cases require compassion, patience, and aggressive advocacy.
We have represented families who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to a car wreck, a construction accident, or medical malpractice. Each family deserves justice, answers, and the resources to rebuild their lives.
Businesses and homeowners have a responsibility to protect their patrons and tenants from hazards that may exist on their premises. When businesses and homeowners fail to do so, individuals may suffer serious injuries.
To prevail in premises liability cases, I must establish that the business or homeowner was aware, or at least should have been aware with reasonable due diligence, of the hazard that caused the victim’s injuries and failed to act to correct the problem. Therefore, I must obtain records related to maintenance and repairs, reports related to incidents of injury, and testimony from other patrons or tenants who have reported similar safety concerns.
Businesses and their insurance carriers frequently blame victims of premises liability cases. They will claim that the victim should have watched where they were going. They will claim that the hazard was obvious. They will claim that the victim fabricated the injury. They will even try to blame their footwear as the main reason for the incident (e.g., wearing worn beach sandals or shoes without much tread left on them).
We refute each of these claims using evidence.
Portland, OR, is a city that was founded on bicycles. Our streets are lined with bike lanes. Unfortunately, despite the prevalence of bicycles in our community, some of our drivers fail to recognize and respect bicyclists.
Bicycle wrecks frequently result in significant and serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and long-term road rash.
Under Oregon law, drivers are required to provide bicyclists with at least 3 feet of clearance when passing, to yield to bicyclists at crosswalks, and to check their mirrors prior to opening their doors. When they fail to do so, we advocate on behalf of our clients to obtain compensation.
In the initial consultation, I assess whether you have a viable case and its potential value. Once we’ve decided to proceed, I’ll manage all aspects of your claim. I’ll communicate directly with the insurance company. I’ll obtain your medical records. I’ll speak with witnesses. I’ll hire experts (as necessary) and prepare and file the complaint in your lawsuit if we’re unable to reach a settlement.
You won’t pay me unless we prevail; I work on a contingency fee basis. This means I’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds from your settlement or the jury’s award. If we lose, you won’t owe me anything.
Most claims resolve without going to trial. Insurance companies are aware that I’m prepared to try these matters in front of a jury. Therefore, they typically offer reasonable settlements when we’re able to demonstrate that we’re prepared to present the case to a jury.
How much is my case worth?
The amount of money your case is worth depends on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, your medical bills, the income you lost due to your inability to work, and the overall impact of the accident upon your quality of life. A minor injury may result in a settlement of $20,000. More severe injuries could result in awards of millions of dollars. After reviewing your case, I’ll provide you with a realistic estimate of the potential value of your claim.
How long will this process take?
Claims that are relatively uncomplicated tend to settle within three to six months. Claims involving serious injuries may take longer, potentially 18-24 months, depending on the complexity of the claim and your need for ongoing medical treatment. We don’t rush. We want to ensure that you have completed all required medical treatment, and we understand the full extent of your damages.
Can I really afford a lawyer?
Yes. I don’t charge you any up-front fees. Instead, I get paid when you get paid. If you’re unsure of whether you can afford a lawyer, then I encourage you to contact us.
Will the fact that I was partially at fault affect the outcome of my claim?
Oregon is a comparative negligence state. Even if you bear some responsibility for causing the accident, you may still be entitled to recover damages. However, the amount of damages you are entitled to recover will be diminished by the degree of your responsibility for the accident. For example, if you are deemed to be 20 percent responsible for the accident, then you would be entitled to recover 80 percent of the total damages.
When you hire me, you’re hiring me — not a paralegal, not a young attorney, just me. I will always explain things to you clearly and simply, using language that you can understand. I will stay in touch with you throughout the entire process, keeping you informed of the status of your claim and the next steps in the process.
I’ve represented thousands of individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of the actions of others. In addition to obtaining large settlements for many of those individuals, I’ve also helped them regain control over their lives and ensured that families did not suffer financially while trying to recover from their injuries. I’ve also held reckless drivers and negligent property owners.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, I recommend calling 911 immediately after an accident. While you may think you’re okay, some injuries may not appear until later.
Try to document the accident by taking photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Also, collect the contact information of any witnesses, including names and phone numbers. Finally, find out what type of insurance coverage the other driver has.
Never apologize for an accident, regardless of whether you believe you caused it. Similarly, never admit fault or indicate that the accident was your fault. Additionally, never give a statement to an insurance adjuster without consulting with me first.
The sooner I begin investigating your case, the better evidence we will be able to gather and the stronger our case will be.
I represent individuals who have been injured in accidents throughout Portland, including but not limited to:
Additionally, I serve injured individuals in neighboring cities, such as:
If you were injured in an accident in the Portland Metro Area, I Can Help.
You are injured. You are concerned about paying your medical bills. You are being contacted by an insurance company whose primary concern is making money off of your claim, rather than helping you to recover from your injuries.
You don’t have to face this alone.
Contact us today. Let’s discuss what happened and what options you may have to pursue your case.
ELG Injury Lawyers is proud to support B-Dub’s Longest Ride for Military Families, an annual motorcycle journey that raises awareness and funds for the Fisher House Foundation.
This powerful ride helps provide free housing for military families while a loved one receives medical care, keeping families close when it matters most. As advocates for injured riders and their families, we are honored to stand behind an event that celebrates service, community, and the motorcycle community we proudly protect.
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As a personal injury lawyer, I strive to serve this community with honesty and integrity. As a member of this community, I know how important it is to support local businesses and organizations. That is why I work exclusively with local attorneys, like Edwards and Patterson, who share my commitment to serving and supporting the Portland Community. Let me help you get your life back on track.
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