You just got into an auto accident in Woodburn. You’ve never gotten into a crash before, and now, you’re wondering what to do.
First, if you’re well enough, you need to start collecting proof of your accident. This proof is going to strengthen your case and make it more likely that you’ll get a settlement. So, what proof do you need? Here’s what you should gather.
A Police Report
As soon as you get into an auto accident in Woodburn, call the police and fill out a police report. Make sure that you include facts about what happened during the accident.
Witness Statements
Did anyone see what happened? If so, write down their statements and get their contact information in case you need to follow up with them later.
Video Footage
If you have video footage of the accident, save it. Or, you could always write down the locations of the surveillance and traffic cameras around where your accident occurred. Perhaps they caught what happened on tape.
Photographs
Take photographs of the scene of the accident, the other driver’s license plate and driver’s license, any damage to your car and other personal belongings, and visible injuries like bruises.
Notes About Your Accident
Following your accident, write down everything you remember about it as soon as possible. These notes are going to be crucial when it comes to your case.
Your Medical Records
After an accident, it’s critical to go to the hospital right away if you are injured. Even if your injuries are minor or you feel OK, you may not be once you get checked out. Get X-rays taken and go to follow-up appointments as needed. Be consistent with your treatment plan and take your doctor’s orders seriously. If you don’t, it may look like your injuries aren’t that serious, and it could make it much harder for you to get a settlement.
What if You Don’t Have Proof?
Let’s say you got into an auto accident in Woodburn, but you don’t have any proof. Don’t worry: if you call an experienced personal injury lawyer, they can help you collect the evidence you need. For instance, they may be able to go back to the scene of the accident and determine what happened. They can also call up your doctor and gather your medical records, and they might be able to get the footage from the nearby cameras.
Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer
You can schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, who will work on your case for free. They will only charge you a fee if they can get you a settlement. You will know about the fee upfront before you agree to anything. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company and advocate for you to get the settlement you need – and deserve. Then, you can focus on healing from your injuries at this time.
Contact Zbinden & Curtis Today
Zbinden & Curtis, a Portland personal injury law firm, cares about accident victims, and we’re ready to help you if you get into an auto accident in Woodburn. We fight tooth and nail for our clients to get them the settlement they deserve in their time of need. Contact us today to learn more by calling (503) 287-5000 or contacting us on our website for a free case evaluation. We look forward to assisting you.
