Have you been involved in a motor vehicle collision? BBO can help you get the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more.
Motor Vehicle Collision: Facts
The body is instantaneously accelerated in collisions, resulting in injury(s). The State of Oregon keeps injury statistics, which can be viewed here.
On the road, the weight of cars ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 pounds. Loaded semi-trucks and trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When you are hit by another vehicle, injuries may occur whether vehicle damage is apparent or not.
Motor Vehicle Collision: Preparedness
Auto insurance is required in almost all states, but not every driver carries adequate coverage. Minimum $25,000 policies that are meant to be a starting point for coverage may not cover the full cost of accidents. To be fully protected, it is important to get adequate coverage.
Why Adequate Coverage Is Important
In case of an accident, it will provide appropriate financial protection for your car, passengers, and anyone authorized to drive your vehicle. Your insurance should also include adequate underinsured and uninsured coverage that protects you if the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage.
How to Obtain Additional Coverage
Ask your insurance agent what the additional cost will be for you and/or your passengers to obtain coverage for a minimum $100,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000 liability and underinsured and uninsured coverage. It is possible that the additional expense for the extra coverage will be minimal and could be critical to you in the event an unexpected disabling injury(s) happens. A recent change in the law enables your coverage to combine with the other at-fault driver’s policy limits if it was issued after January 1, 2016.
There’s nothing more important than being prepared. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.
Motor Vehicle Collision: Caution
Expect that your own insurance company may still question or attempt to limit your medical payments or wage loss. This includes your insurance provider sending you to a medical professional of their choice, who often will serve to cut off or diminish your benefits. In addition, you are required to provide your insurer with medical and wage loss information and/or possible taped statements (if requested).
At this point, it is important for you to obtain legal advice to know your rights and responsibilities.
To-Do List Following a Motor Vehicle Collision
- Pull your vehicle out of traffic.
- Get names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses, if any.
- Ask the driver and/or witnesses if they were texting, on the phone, otherwise distracted, or why they did not see you.
- Ask how fast they were going.
- Take photos of all involved vehicles at the scene.
- Exchange auto insurance details.
- File a DMV accident report immediately if someone is injured or your property damage is more than $2,500.
- Obtain at least two separate auto body repair estimates for your vehicle from your chosen repair shop and not necessarily the one recommended by your insurance provider or the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- If there is frame damage, your DMV title may be tagged, and you may file a diminished value claim. This is regardless of whether your vehicle is fully repaired, as this may affect the resale value of your car.
- Contact your insurance provider and request a claim number and an assigned claims representative. Notify your insurance agent as well.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer representing the at-fault driver. You should also not fill out any medical authorizations for the other driver’s insurance company.
Call us right away if you or someone you know recently got involved in a motor vehicle accident. Our reliable motor vehicle accident attorney is ready to help.
To-Do List If You Were Injured in a Motor Vehicle Collision
- Seek medical attention to address your injuries immediately.
- Avoid settling your case on your own if you are uncertain you are fully recovered from your injuries.
- Be aware that you have two years in Oregon and three years in Washington to file a lawsuit if necessary. It is also important to consult with a lawyer of your choice if your disability continues well before that deadline.
Seeking Legal Advice Following a Motor Vehicle Collision
It’s best to ask for legal advice as soon as possible. This is especially important if your insurance provider cuts off your medical or wage loss benefits. Note that attorneys are paid on a contingency basis in both Oregon and Washington. This means they are not paid if they do not obtain a recovery for your injuries. Additionally, you do not have to pay for a consultation.