Why Experience Is Key When Choosing an Oregon Personal Injury Attorney

Legal team preparing evidence to present in a personal injury lawsuit

Why Experience Is Key When Choosing an Oregon Personal Injury Attorney

When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, the attorney you choose can make or break your case. At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, our decades of experience representing Oregonians in personal injury cases ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car accident, a slip-and-fall, a workplace incident, or even a case involving dog bites or the death of a loved one, our team knows how to fight for you. But why does experience matter so much? Let’s dive into the reasons an experienced attorney is essential for maximizing your claim and securing your future.

Experience Means Knowing the Ropes

A seasoned personal injury lawyer brings more than just legal knowledge—they bring strategic expertise honed over years of handling cases like yours. At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, our attorneys understand every stage of the process, from filing a claim to preparing for trial. This expertise translates into actionable steps that protect your rights and strengthen your case:

  • Collecting and Preserving Evidence: We know how to gather critical evidence, like medical records, accident reports, electronic vehicle data, or witness statements, and preserve it in a way that holds up in court. For example, in a car accident case, we might secure dashcam footage, EDR data or police reports to prove fault.
  • Timing Is Everything: Acting quickly is crucial. An experienced attorney knows when to file claims, request records, or notify insurance companies to avoid missing deadlines that could jeopardize your case.
  • Strategic Communication: We negotiate with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys to counter lowball offers, ensuring your claim reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses.
  • Trial-Ready Preparation: Even if your case settles out of court, we prepare every claim as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage to push for higher settlements.

These steps require not just knowledge but foresight—something only years of handling cases like semi-truck accidents or traumatic brain injuries can provide. Without this experience, you risk missing key opportunities to build a strong case.

Insurance Companies Respect a Strong Reputation

Did you know insurance companies and defense attorneys keep a mental “Rolodex” of top plaintiff attorneys? They track who’s willing to go to trial, who secures big settlements, and who settles for less. At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, our reputation for taking on tough cases—whether it’s a motorcycle accident, a pedestrian injury, or a workplace incident—makes insurance companies take notice.

We’ve heard it straight from insurance adjusters and defense attorneys: the lawyer’s name on a claim influences how it’s evaluated. When they see Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, they know we’re not pushovers. Our track record of securing significant settlements, arbitration awards, and trial verdicts means they’re more likely to offer fair compensation quickly, saving you months or even years of stress. For instance, in a recent case involving a slip-and-fall at a commercial property, our reputation pushed the insurance company to settle for a substantial amount without dragging the case into court.

The Cost of Choosing a “Pushover” Attorney

Not all lawyers are created equal. Some firms lack the experience or confidence to challenge insurance companies, settling for the first offer to close the case quickly. Others may not know how to handle complex claims, like those involving long-term injuries or multiple liable parties. Choosing a less experienced attorney can leave money on the table—money you need for medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing care.

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we’ve handled thousands of cases across Oregon, from Bend to Portland to Eugene to Medford and well beyond. Our experience spans a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Car and semi-truck accidents, where we prove fault and secure compensation for medical costs and pain.
  • Workplace injuries, where we navigate workers’ compensation third-party claims.
  • Dog bites, where we hold pet owners accountable for their negligence and have a solid understanding of the facts necessary to prove strict liability under Oregon law.
  • Wrongful death, where we advocate for the family members of the loved one they lost.

Our team knows how to negotiate medical liens, prove future damages like lost earning capacity, and counter insurance tactics designed to minimize payouts. This expertise ensures you don’t get shortchanged.

Real-World Impact of Experience

Consider a client who came to us after a severe motorcycle accident. The insurance company initially offered $20,000, claiming the client was partially at fault. Our team, leveraging years of experience, conducted a thorough investigation, including reconstructing the accident scene and consulting experts. We proved the other driver’s negligence and secured a $250,000 settlement—more than ten times the initial offer. This outcome wasn’t just about our legal knowledge; it was about knowing what evidence to look for, how to present it, and using our reputation to push for a fair deal.

Or take a workplace injury case where an employee was injured due to faulty equipment. The employer’s insurance tried to limit the claim to workers’ compensation. Our attorneys identified a third-party manufacturer’s liability, pursued a separate claim, and secured additional compensation for the client’s long-term medical needs. These results come from experience—knowing where to look and how to fight.

Why Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Stands Out

With offices in Bend, Eugene, Portland, Grants Pass, Roseburg, and Medford, Dwyer Williams Cherkoss is proud to serve injury victims across Oregon. Our attorneys bring decades of collective experience, a trial-ready mindset, and a commitment to maximizing every client’s recovery. We handle every detail, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing.

We also understand the emotional and financial toll of an injury. That’s why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win. Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible while fighting for the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and your pain and suffering.

How to Choose the Right Attorney

When selecting a personal injury attorney, ask these questions to ensure you’re hiring someone with the right experience:

  • How many cases like mine have you handled?
  • Have you taken cases to trial, and what were the outcomes?
  • What’s your track record with settlements and arbitration awards?
  • How do you handle negotiations with insurance companies?

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we’re happy to answer these questions and show you how our experience can work for you. Our team’s familiarity with Oregon’s courts, insurance practices, and local regulations gives us an edge in delivering results.

Get Started with a Free Consultation

Ready to put our experience to work for your Oregon personal injury case? Contact Dwyer Williams Cherkoss today at (541) 617-0555 or visit roydwyer.com to schedule a free consultation. Whether you’re in Bend, Eugene, Portland, Grants Pass, Roseburg, or Medford, our team is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Watch our latest video to learn why an experienced attorney makes all the difference!

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