Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
In an Accident? Watch What You Say to Other Driver's Insurance Company
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May 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- From running errands to a cruise down Interstate 84 outside of Portland, a car accident can happen anywhere -- an unexpected upset to your normal routine.
In the aftermath of a crash, you may not be thinking completely clearly. Nonetheless, it is during this vulnerable state, only days or even hours after an accident, when the other driver's insurance company is likely to contact you. Handled incorrectly, a call from the other driver's insurer could be devastating to your ultimate claim for damages; do you know what to say?
Innocent Statements Can Come Back to Haunt You
As a general rule, you should not make any sort of statement to the other driver's insurance company before consulting an Oregon auto accident lawyer. Anything you say to the other driver's insurer could potentially be used against you to deny you the full compensation you deserve or to make it seem like the accident was your fault.
There is essentially no compelling reason to speak with the other driver's insurer; the only parties you should provide with a factual version of events are your auto accident lawyer, your insurer and the police. Even with your own insurer and the authorities, you should avoid saying "I'm sorry" or making any other statement that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
But, you may be wondering, if you are just telling the truth, what could be the harm? Even the truth can be manipulated and misinterpreted by the insurer to deny you compensation. For instance, they may engage in what seems like small talk while "waiting for their computer to load" by asking you where you were headed when the accident occurred -- even this seemingly innocuous detail can be turned on you as evidence that you were in a hurry (and thus more likely to have caused the crash).
Politely Decline To Make Any Statements, and Get In Touch With an Oregon Attorney
When another driver's insurer calls, you should be calm and polite (believe it or not, your attitude may affect the outcome), but inform them that you do not wish to discuss the accident. Do ask for the claim number and contact information for the insurance adjustor, however; this will be useful if you pursue a legal claim. Disregard any letters you receive from the other driver's insurer urging you to call them.
A car accident is a traumatic experience; but, responding to it correctly can save you worlds of trouble and help you get the compensation you need to move through a tough time in your life. If you have been involved in an auto accident, contact an attorney today about your claim.
Article provided by Harris Law Firm
Visit us at www.503lawyer.com
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Saturday, May 19, 2012
Been In a Car Accident? Know What to Do Next
The remote server returned an unexpected response: (417) Expectation failed.
May 10, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- From fender benders to multi-vehicle pileups, cars accidents can occur anytime, anywhere -- by definition, an accident is unexpected. Nonetheless, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can preserve your right to full compensation and save you worlds of frustration down the road.
At the Scene
First and foremost, in the minutes following the accident, try to stay calm. Sure, it's a complete cliche -- but it's a good one. As coolly as you can, assess whether you need immediate medical attention, and then focus on the immediate medical needs of any other involved parties.
Of course, most motorists don't need to be told that addressing medical emergencies in the wake of an auto accident is the first priority. But, keeping yourself collected will serve you on a number of other levels.
Sometimes, serious injuries do not begin to trouble you for hours or even days after a car accident. Treating these injuries can end up costing you thousands of dollars -- and since you may require compensation for the harm you suffered in an accident, you should take steps to preserve your future legal claim.
Even if no life-threatening injuries are immediately apparent, you should call law enforcement authorities and ensure that the responding officer files a report. Your right to compensation from the at-fault driver may be reliant on the contents of the police report. Bearing that in mind, watch what you say following the accident; many of us have the propensity to babble after experiencing a traumatic event. Tell the truth, but keep yourself composed and limit your statements to a brief description of the factual events leading up to the crash. Never say anything that could be misinterpreted as an admission of fault (such as "I'm sorry" or "I just wasn't paying attention"), and do not talk to anyone about the accident at the scene except for the police.
After the vehicles involved have been moved safely out of traffic, you may wish to engage in some onsite information gathering of your own. Take pictures of the damage and the area of the crash with a cell phone camera or some other imaging device. Make notes as to the exact location of the collision, how it happened and where the vehicles involved came to a rest. Get the other driver's full information, including name, address, phone number, insurance company, insurance policy number, driver license number and license plate number. If there were witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information as well.
The Aftermath
Soon after the accident, you should inform your insurance company. Provide them with your version of events, but again, be cautious about what you say. If the other driver turns out to be underinsured, you may be making a claim against your own insurer, so do not downplay the full extent of your injuries.
Car accident attorneys are an extremely important resource following a crash. An experienced attorney will know how to further investigate the crash and assess the extent of your injuries. You attorney will have likely handled hundreds of cases similar to yours, and will know what your claim is worth (and therefore, what to ask for from insurers in order to disarm lowball offers). Perhaps most importantly, an attorney can help you fight for the full amount of compensation you need from all potentially liable parties, from the other driver and his or her insurer to a municipality responsible for the negligent design of the roadway.
When should you contact an attorney about your car accident? Generally, you should get in touch with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. For one thing, there is a statute of limitations that bars legal claims pertaining to auto accidents after a certain amount of time has elapsed. In addition, evidence is more easily collected shortly after the accident; because physical evidence can deteriorate, and witnesses' memories can fade, your attorney will likely be a more effective advocate the sooner he or she can get to work on your case.
Take Action Now
If you have been injured in a car accident, do not wait to contact an attorney; of all the steps you should take following a serious crash, getting in touch with a lawyer is one of the most important. Protect your right to just compensation for you injuries and call a car accident attorney today.
Article provided by David P. Beeson & Associates
Visit us at www.beeson4law.com
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