A. Assess Accident Scene and Get Safe
Don’t stay in an area where you could be hurt! Other cars, leaking gas and angry drivers are all potential hazards. Be aware and use common sense to protect yourself and those around you. Notice your injuries and injuries to others. Address or get help in order of severity.
B. Get Professional Medical Attention Right Away
- Do not delay. Not all injuries are obvious.
- Report all Symptoms
- Make all appointments
- Follow Doctors' Orders
- Call Richard Rizk should you need a medical or chiropractic referral
- Damage to the vehicle you were driving is over $1,500, or
- Damage to any vehicle is over $1,500 and any vehicle is towed from the scene as a result of damages from this accident, or
- Injury or death resulted from this accident, or
- Damages to any one personīs property other than a vehicle involved in this accident is over $1,500.
- Get an Oregon Traffic Accident Form
- Taking Photos of Accident Scene;
- Taking Photos of Injuries;
- Talking Photos of Vehicles involved;
- Getting Names and Contact Info of all Witnesses;
- Write Down description of events preceding and following the car accident.
E. Immediately Call, then FAX your insurance agent...
to notify them of the loss. Give just the basic facts: Where, When, Who, and How. The Fax will confirm your notice to the Agent.
F. Hire an attorney with insurance experience.
Few attorneys know how insurance companies value claims. Fewer Attorneys know how to read an insurance policy. Richard Rizk has worked for Nationwide Insurance for a decade and with Oregon's largest insurance law firms. Richard has worked closely with those at the highest levels of the insurance business. Richard now represents persons who present insurance claims. Let his knowledge of the other side help maximize your claim.
Auto Intake Form
A. Give a recorded statement to the other insurance company without first seeking legal advise from a qualified attorney.
Insurance companies are businesses whose job it is to pay as little as possible for each claim. While an insurer has a right to investigate losses, claims examiners are trained to ask threshold questions that will limit or bar your claim-without you even realizing it. Richard Rizk was trained by insurance companies and their law firms and he is aware of common traps. Call him before calling the other insurance company.
B. Try to settle your claim before you know your damages.
Insurance Companies know that claims generally get more expensive with time. So, they offer small dollars right away to limit their exposure. Your claim is not a race-- wait until you know the extent of your injuries before discussing settlement. Otherwise you risk settling short. Richard Rizk will help you maximize your claim in as little time as possible. Call him at (503) 642-2114 or email him at rich@rizklaw.com today.
