Despite decreased traffic amid stay-at-home orders in most states, the National Safety Council reported that March 2020 saw a 14-percent increase in traffic deaths when compared to the same time period last year. Rizk Law discusses the reasons for the increased number of traffic fatalities, especially locally, in Portland, where the emptier roads have resulted…

Everyone has, and will continue to, adjust to accommodate COVID-19 realities. Personal injury claimants must also adjust. Those who pivot effectively could be pleasantly surprised. Those who don’t may end up without the treatment needed and empty-handed. Which end of the spectrum your claim lands will depend, in large part, on whether a claimant can…

In March 2020, the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) were suspended nationwide. While smaller scale suspensions have happened in the past during times of local or state disasters, there has never been a nationwide suspension. Rizk Law explains why the Department of Transportation has issued the emergency relief order…

Fall 2019 suddenly seems like ancient history. Back then, residents of South Portland, Oregon were understandably fed up with exceptionally long lines of idling motorists on SW Kelly and SW Corbett Aves waiting to merge onto the west end of the Ross Island bridgehead. Like death and taxes, every weekday afternoon, never fail, cars and…

As Oregon starts to see some nicer weather and the state begins to reopen for business, drivers of motorcycles, cars and other vehicles will be excited to get out on the roads again. During motorcycle awareness month, it is a good time to reconsider road safety, especially after being cooped up for so many weeks…

Portland is considering ways to make bike paths and sidewalks safer for cyclists and pedestrians during the pandemic and going forward. Concerns include maintaining social distancing while providing more protection from vehicles still on the road. Rizk Law explains some of the provisions under consideration and when you might begin to see these changes. If…

Many Portland residents are adhering to local shutdown requirements and following the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus. However, some individuals, such as essential workers, may have to leave home to drive to work or run an urgent errand. If you are in a car crash during this…

If you have gone out on the road for groceries or other essential items, you may have noticed a significant decline in traffic. People are practicing social distancing and staying home, with many people working from home to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, reckless drivers have been taking advantage of the lack of…

By Richard Rizk Traffic is down, but speed is up. Meanwhile, pedestrians are walking in the roads to social distance. Many are stressed and distracted by thoughts, plans and worries fueled by coronavirus. To escape the pandemic, many may turn to drinking and drug use. While folks obsess about the very real dangers of COVID-19, other…

On March 25, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services sent out an emergency order to help individuals and businesses struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The order mandates that insurance companies take the following steps to help: Postpone policy cancellations for nonpayment Postpone nonrenewals Provide an extension of grace periods for payment…