Automobile Accidents – Attorney Investigation

As an attorney representing people injured in automobile accidents, it is important to collect as much information regarding the facts of the accident in addition to the names of witnesses as soon as possible. Frequently, attorneys are not contacted by accident victims for quite some time following the collision and much of the valuable information surrounding the accident has been lost. Good accident attorneys, including the attorneys at Paulson Coletti, retain investigators as soon possible to obtain and preserve important evidence.

If you are involved in an automobile accident, even if you choose not to consult an accident, attorney you should do the following:

• Notify your insurance carrier and file the appropriate documentation with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Notify the police while at the scene.
• Obtain the names, phone numbers and addresses of everyone who witnessed any aspect of the collision.
• Photograph any skid marks and document the final resting positions of vehicles and debris.

While it is important to cooperate with your own insurance carrier following the collision, you are not required to provide the responsible driver’s insurance carrier with a recorded statement. If in doubt, contact a Portland car accident attorney before speaking with the other driver’s insurance carrier to ensure that you understand your rights.

If you have any questions, please contact the attorneys at Paulson Coletti. We are experienced at representing people injured in automobile collisions.

Know your auto repair rights: Read Can You Demand OEM Parts After an Accident in Oregon? to learn how Oregon insurance laws address aftermarket vs. original factory parts and when you can request original manufacturer components for repairs.