The Don’ts of a Car Accident

Were you in an auto accident and wonder what your next steps are? If your answer was yes it’s crucial that you schedule a consultation with a qualified Portland personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Dawson Law Group we would be honored to guide you through the claims process. Each of our Portland attorneys is well versed in personal injury law. As a firm we have a reputation of excellence and success. Often our clients in car accident cases make mistakes early on that can be detrimental to the claims process. Below we have outlined what not to do during a car accident personal injury claim.

Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement

The other driver’s insurance company will attempt to get you to give a recorded statement where you go over the details of the accident.. They will do all that they can to place the fault on your shoulders. Often they will take your statement out of context and say that you were at least partially at-fault for the accident. You are not required to give a recorded statement and absolutely have the right to refuse. Have your Portland personal injury attorney handle the insurance company. They have the knowledge necessary to know when the insurance company is out of line or trying to take advantage of you.

Do NOT Immediately Accept the Appraisal of Damages

When you are given the appraisal of damages to your vehicle, review it with your Portland personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies are known for attempting to low ball repairs. Carefully go over the appraisal. Your lawyer will be able to identify when the insurance company is attempting to take advantage of you.

Do NOT Sign Waivers or Release Forms

The at-fault party’s insurance company will attempt to get you to sign waivers or release forms, consult with a Portland personal injury attorney first. In order to make sure that you receive full restitution sign nothing until you meet with an attorney. They will be able to determine if the restitution you are receiving is a fair amount and keep you from signing any documents that may prevent you from being paid what you are due.

Do NOT Accept a Check That Says “Final Payment”

If you are receiving restitution in the form of a check make sure that it does not say “final payment” unless it is, in fact, the final payment. The insurance company may argue that because you cashed a check that had “final payment” written on it, that it should be the last payment. It won’t matter to them if you have received the full agreed upon amount.

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At Dawson Law Group we operate with a high standard of excellence that has led to our success. We specialize in personal injury law with a focus on car accident claims. Each of our Portland personal injury lawyers is dedicated to representing our clients and it is this dedication that has set us far above our competitors. Our loyalty is to those we represent. For your personal injury claim needs call Dawson Law Group today. Give us a call at 503-919-1315 for a free phone consultation where we can get to know you and answer your questions. Remember, we won’t charge you any attorney fees if you don’t win your claim, so it’s in our best interest as well as yours to secure the most favorable outcome for you in a timely manner.