A car accident can impact your life in several unexpected ways. Your car may be damaged, requiring replacement parts or cosmetic repairs, and you may have sustained an injury that necessitates medical care. Perhaps your injury has made you unable to work for a period of time, causing you to lose out on the wages you depend on to pay your bills. Under Oregon state law, you may be able to recover compensation that can go towards paying down these costs associated with the auto accident. While it’s highly recommended to work with an experienced auto accident lawyer to ensure you obtain an equitable amount of compensation, there are circumstances in which it may make more sense for you to navigate the process on your own.
When Hiring a Portland Car Accident Lawyer Makes Sense
If you suffered severe injuries after an auto accident in Multnomah County, you are likely facing a difficult and expensive road to recovery. Your physical, mental, and emotional states will be fragile, and it might be too overwhelming to face the idea of pursuing compensation on your own. An experienced auto accident lawyer will step in to handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies and the other parties involved in the accident, working hard to ensure that you secure the compensation you are owed. In general, if your accident involved broken bones, lengthy hospital stays, extensive medical treatments, or pain and suffering, hiring an attorney is a good idea. Similarly, if there is a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, or if the insurance companies are refusing to cooperate with you, you should definitely contact an attorney for support.
When an Auto Accident Attorney May Be Overkill
There are times where auto accident victims may be able to navigate the claims process on their own. Accidents involving negligible property damage (like scratched paint) or minor injuries (i.e., no broken bones, no lingering medical issues) can typically be resolved through simple negotiations with the insurance company. However, before you decide to go this route, make sure you visit your doctor to rule out any potential complications that could develop with time. Once you’ve received the “all clear,” you can move forward with the insurance claims process. If a dispute or issue arises at any point, you can always reach out to an attorney for guidance.
Ensuring You Secure the Compensation You Deserve
Ultimately, whether you work with an attorney or go it alone, the goal is the same: To obtain the compensation you need in order to get your life back on track. You’ll need to consider the extent of the damages and the complexity of the claim as you decide whether to hire a car accident lawyer. It can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer that the insurance company presents, as you probably want to simply push forward and get on with your life. However, make sure you truly analyze the fairness of this figure before you formally accept it—whether working with an attorney or not.
If you need trusted and compassionate legal counsel following an auto accident in Portland or Southwest Washington, reach out to Henderson Taylor Law Firm at (360) 737-1478 today to get started.
