Free Consultations 24/7 (503) 272-8986 Toll Free (855) 503-5035
Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries in car accidents. In Oregon, at-fault drivers are responsible for paying for the damages of their victims, including medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. If you are in an accident that someone else caused, you can recover this compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.
You may wonder if you need to hire a lawyer for a car accident claim. Since these collisions are so common, it can be difficult to determine whether your case would benefit from a lawyer. However, there are many situations where it is beneficial to hire a lawyer to defend your side of the story and secure maximum compensation.
When filing a car accident claim, you will need to prove that the at-fault party caused the accident. However, not all drivers are upfront regarding their crash liability. It is very common for an at-fault driver to deny your claim or state that you are responsible for the collision.
In these situations, you will need to gather sufficient evidence to establish your right to compensation. However, it can be difficult to conduct an investigation after a recent injury, and you may not know the legal elements you will need to prove. Accusations of liability can prevent you from recovering the compensation you need.
A car accident attorney will have the resources, experience, and knowledge necessary to establish the at-fault driver’s liability. He or she will conduct an in-depth investigation into your accident and craft a compelling case for your compensation. If the at-fault party claims you are responsible, your attorney will take steps to disprove these accusations.
In some car accident cases, liability is very unclear. Multiple parties may be responsible for the accident, or there may be limited witness or surveillance evidence to prove how the accident occurred. These circumstances can make proving your right to compensation even more difficult.
A car accident attorney will have access to resources that you can use to identify the at-fault party and prove liability. For example, your attorney may enlist the help of expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, who can examine the accident and identify the liable party. These experts can also provide testimony on your behalf, strengthening your claim in the process.
Accidents that result in significant, catastrophic injuries or extensive property damage are much more complex than minor accidents that do not result in any injuries. You will need to prove that the at-fault driver’s accident caused your injuries, and you will need to provide evidence to support each form of compensation you want to claim. If you have severe injuries, you may require long-term care and will need to accurately estimate the costs of these damages so that you can ask for the compensation you need.
In these situations, a car accident lawyer can help. Your attorney can help you find the medical care that you need to recover from your injuries and work with expert witnesses, such as medical professionals and life care planners, to calculate your long-term costs. Insurance companies are also more likely to push back against large requests for compensation, and your attorney can negotiate with the company to provide a higher settlement offer.
While not all car accidents may require an attorney, injured victims can benefit from the assistance of an attorney. Your lawyer can help you prove the at-fault driver’s liability, establish your right to maximum compensation, and find the care you need. After receiving medical attention for your injuries, contact a Portland car accident attorney to discuss your case.
