In a lot of ways, the future is already here when it comes to technology. New advancements with smartphones as well as vehicles have changed the way that auto accident settlements are negotiated in court. An entire personal injury case may now hinge on the pictures you take with your phone after an accident or the data your car collected right before.
To give you a better understanding of how technology affects auto accident cases, we’ve created this article for you. We’ll discuss how auto accident settlements are negotiated in the modern world and how a personal injury lawyer might assist with your claim.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident near Portland or Woodburn, call Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law for personalized support that’s specific to your accident.
Current Trends in Courtroom Settings
- Use of Technology: After a car accident, lawyers and insurance companies are using more computer programs to talk to each other and figure out things faster. This includes using special calculations to guess how much a case might settle for.
- Higher Settlement Demands: Because doctor and hospital bills are getting more expensive, and people know more about their rights, they are asking for more of the money they deserve in settlements.
- COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic has changed things. Court dates might be delayed, and a lot of discussions about the accident and settlement are now happening online instead of in person. The demand for pictures and videos of the accident has never been higher, and courts process all this information with the click of a button.
- Social Media Influence: Lawyers are looking at things people post on Facebook, Instagram, etc., to find evidence that can help their case. What you post online can significantly affect your car accident case because if you make claims of injuries that are not seen on social media, your case may be thrown out. Alternatively, your settlement could be reduced.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims: There’s a rise in cases where the person who caused the accident doesn’t have enough insurance or any at all. This affects how you might get money for your damages or injuries. PIP insurance is mandatory for all Oregon drivers because it protects you in such cases.
- Emphasis on Medical Treatment and Records: There’s more focus on keeping a complete record of all your doctor visits and treatments after the accident. This helps prove how much money you should get for your injuries.
- Rise of Mediation: Instead of going to court, more people are choosing to have a neutral person (a mediator) help them agree on a settlement. It’s often faster and cheaper than going to court.
- Personalized Approach: Every accident and person is different, so our lawyers are focused on the unique parts of your story and the specific injuries you obtained. We focus on these aspects to better argue why you should get a certain settlement.
These trends show how the process of getting money after a car accident is changing, with more use of technology, different ways of solving disputes, and a greater focus on the individual details of each case. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call our office today.
Important Information about Auto Accident Settlement Negotiations
- Insurance Laws: It’s important to understand Oregon’s specific insurance laws. This involves knowing about your personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which are crucial for financial protection after an accident.
- Negotiation Strategies: When negotiating settlements, it’s key to document all damages and losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Hiring a personal injury attorney can be beneficial for ensuring fair treatment during these negotiations.
- Comparative Negligence: Oregon uses a modified comparative negligence model. This means if you’re more than 50% at fault in an accident, you might not be able to recover any damages. This is why it’s so important to tell your side of the story.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: Oregon law mandates certain minimum insurance coverages, including specific amounts for bodily injury and property damage. If you do not meet these requirements, you could be held even more accountable for an accident with an insured driver.
- Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date of the accident to start a legal action for personal injury in Oregon. For wrongful death, the timeframe extends to three years.
- Accident Reporting Requirements: In Oregon, you must file an accident report with the Department of Transportation within three days of the incident, and this report must include evidence of insurance.
Staying up-to-date on these matters helps you gain a better understanding of the auto accident settlement negotiation process. Here’s how it helps:
- Informed Decision-Making: Knowing the latest laws and trends enables you to make more informed decisions about your case. You’re better equipped to understand what you’re entitled to and the legal processes involved.
- Effective Communication with Insurers: With your current knowledge, you can communicate more effectively with insurance companies. You’ll understand the terminology and procedures, which help assert your rights and avoid pitfalls.
- Realistic Expectations: Awareness of recent changes helps set realistic expectations regarding the potential outcome of your case, including settlement amounts and timeframes.
Strategic Negotiations: Understanding the nuances of laws, like comparative negligence in Oregon, helps strategize your negotiations. You’ll know how your degree of fault could affect your settlement.
How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help
- Expert Guidance: Our attorneys are knowledgeable about current laws and can navigate the complex legal waters effectively. We stay updated on any changes that could impact your case.
- Negotiation Skills: We have experience in negotiating with insurance companies. We can advocate on your behalf and ensure you get a fair settlement.
- Legal Representation: If your case goes to court, our personal injury attorney can represent you. They will argue your case based on the latest legal precedents and regulations.
- Documentation and Evidence Handling: We can help gather and present necessary documentation and evidence, making your case stronger.
- Risk Management: We can assess the risks involved in your case and advise on whether to settle or proceed to trial.
Call Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law Today
Staying informed about emerging trends helps you navigate the settlement process more effectively. Call Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law today at (503) 287-5000, and let us negotiate your auto accident settlement for you using the most recent treads.
