When you get into an auto accident in Portland, there are certain steps you must take right away. Otherwise, if you don’t, you may not be able to get compensation for your injuries and the damage to your car and other belongings. By finding out the steps you should take following an auto accident in Portland, you can protect yourself and ensure that you’ll be able to bring forth legal action.
Here’s what to do.
Call the Police
Once you’ve safely pulled over to the side of the road, you’ll need to call the police and generate a police report right away. Tell the police details about what happened and get a copy of your report for your records.
Gather Evidence
It’s crucial to collect proof to support your case. Even if you think you may have caused the accident or at least had some part in it, you need to take photographs of the scene as well as of the other driver’s license plate and driver’s license. Ask for their insurance and contact information as well. If there were any witnesses, write down statements from them, and note the locations of any security or traffic cameras that may have captured what happened. Take photographs of the damage to your car and your belongings, too.
Get Medical Treatment If You Are Injured
You may want to consider getting medical treatment immediately after you’ve collected evidence – but only if you’re injured. Get a full check-up as well as X-rays. Do what your doctor says and stay on top of your treatment. This includes going to follow-up appointments and taking medicine, for instance. If you don’t treat your injuries, it may look like they aren’t that serious. It could end up hurting your case.
Do Not Accept a Settlement
The other driver’s insurance provider is likely going to call you pretty soon after the accident occurs. They may offer you a settlement. Even if your injuries seem minor or the settlement seems fair, do not accept it. Your injuries could always get worse, and if you accept the first settlement, you won’t be able to pursue another one. If the insurance company asks you for details about the accident, decline to speak about them and politely tell them you’ll get back to them. Then, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer instead.
Get in Touch With a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer will offer you a free case evaluation and only charge you if they can get you a settlement. If you need medical help, they can connect you with their network of providers, whom you’ll pay out of your settlement as well. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to get you a suitable settlement while you take as much time as you need to heal from your injuries.
The damages you could receive are economic, like money for your medical bills, damage to your car and personal belongings, and loss of wages from taking off work. There are also non-economic damages like pain and suffering caused by your injuries and loss of enjoyment of life. You and your lawyer will determine the damages you may be eligible for and what kind of settlement you’re going to pursue.
Contact Zbinden & Curtis Today
Zbinden & Curtis, a Portland personal injury law firm, cares about accident victims, and we’re ready to help you with your Portland auto accident case. 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 hearing from you.
