Oregon is one of the most popular travel destinations for many people. Whether you’re going into or out of Salem, you may be unlucky enough to get into a car accident. Car accidents can happen at any time, and it is always advisable to have your vehicle insured. Car accidents are life-changing events that have the potential to affect your mental, health, and financial stability for months after the accident has occurred. What do you do next?
The first step is getting yourself calm and out of danger and assessing the accident’s impact. If you are insured, you should take the necessary steps to file your claim. Filing an auto insurance claim is very easy, and it may help you recover financially as you heal from other physical injuries that you may have gotten in the accident. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps that you should take to improve your chances of winning your car accident injury claim.
Process of Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
- Get in touch with your insurance provider.
This is the first thing you should do after determining you are safe, whether the fault was yours or not. In most cases, you may be forced to call your auto insurance provider while still at the scene of the accident. Doing this will help your insurance provider to determine the extent of the damage to your car and whether the insurance policy you have will cover the specific accident.
- Take pictures of the accident.
A variety of insurance providers have dedicated apps where you can easily upload pictures of the accident, schedule an appraisal, or check the status of your policy. Whether or not this is the case for you, it is always a good idea to take photos that would help determine who was on the wrong. This could mean the difference between winning or losing your claim.
- Provide your insurance company with proof of claim.
Once the police are at the scene, get a copy of the police report alongside the proof of claim form. Send it to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Do not miss the claim deadline.
Once you are confident that you’re in stable condition, you should begin thinking about filing a claim within the claim deadline. If you have been injured in a car accident in Oregon, the typical deadline is two years to file your claim. It is worth noting that the statute of limitation is not applied when pursuing a car insurance claim. If the claim is for damaged vehicles or property caused by the accident, the standard deadline for filing is six years.
Should You Take a Settlement or Go to Trial?
You always have the option to file your car accident claim before the statute of limitation expires. This should be done as soon as possible if you’re sure that a lawsuit is an appropriate way to go. This could be after disagreeing on an appropriate settlement figure. There is always a second option where both parties can agree on a settlement. The settlement ought to be written on a legal document before any checks are exchanged. A qualified car accident attorney best does this step after explaining to you all the risks involved with taking it to trial or settling for a claim from your insurance provider.
Car Accident Case Filing and Resolution
You may be wondering where to begin when looking for a reliable car accident injury lawyer. Finding a reliable Salem, OR car accident attorney is essential because you will require as much legal advice as you can get. The aftermath of a car accident is confusing, and finding a reliable car accident attorney early in advance is recommended. It is wise to understand that you’ll be going against a team of corporate lawyers who will try as much as possible to reduce your claim.
The evidence will determine whether your claim is accepted or not. Compile all the documents that you will need. This includes photos of the accident scene, notes from your physician, a copy of the police report, and any other evidence that could help establish that the accident was not your fault and that you deserve to be fully reimbursed.
Tips to Help You Find the Best Car Accident Attorney in Salem, Oregon
- The lawyer should be certified to work in Oregon.
- Read online reviews to assess the reputation of the lawyer.
- Ask whether they offer a contingency fee basis of payment.
- Get a lawyer with experience handling car accident cases.
Takeaway
The traffic law in Oregon includes the modified corporate fault rule, which places the duty of paying for any damages that arise from car accidents on the one with the greatest responsibility for the accident. This ensures that you will be reimbursed for any losses that can be traced to the accident, including medical bills, lost income, mental illness, injuries, and any damage to your vehicle or property.
