After a serious car crash, your life can feel unrecognizable.
Between medical appointments, repair bills, and time away from work, every day brings something that can feel even more overwhelming than the last.
A Portland car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Understanding what car accident lawyers do in Portland will help you see why legal representation matters after a collision someone else’s negligence caused.
At Rizk Law, our founder, Richard Rizk, is a former insurance company insider who understands how insurers think.
He and associate attorney Alex Pletch have also personally experienced serious injuries from accidents caused by others. This unique perspective allows our team to fight for clients from a place of genuine understanding.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your claim.
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The car accident claim process in Portland begins with an initial consultation.
During this meeting, your prospective Portland personal injury attorney will listen to your account of the collision and review any documentation you bring.
This includes police reports, medical records, pictures of the scene, and correspondence from insurance companies.
The lawyer can assess the strength of your case and explain your legal options. A thorough case evaluation helps identify all potential sources of compensation, as well as any challenges that we anticipate.
This first meeting also provides an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether this particular attorney is a good fit for your needs. Most Portland auto accident attorneys offer free consultations, so you can explore your options without financial risk.
Investigation and Gathering Evidence
One of the primary duties of a car accident lawyer involves investigating the collision.
Your attorney works to uncover precisely what happened, how it happened, and who bears responsibility. This process often includes:
Obtaining official police and accident reports
These documents contain important details about the crash, including any citations the officer issued and their observations at the scene.
Collecting witness statements
People who saw the collision can provide testimony that supports your version of events.
Gathering photographic and video evidence – Images of vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signals help establish the facts.
Consulting with experts
Accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and other experts can strengthen your case by providing their professional opinions.
Strong evidence makes up the foundation of a successful claim. Your lawyer can preserve critical information before it disappears or becomes harder to obtain. Their investigation can also help them identify all liable parties in your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies focus on protecting their profits. Adjusters receive training in tactics designed to reduce claim payouts.
They may request recorded statements, dispute the severity of your injuries, or pressure you into accepting a quick settlement worth far less than your claim deserves.
With a former insurance insider like Richard Rizk on your side, you gain someone who understands these tactics firsthand and knows how to counter them effectively.
A Portland car accident lawyer will handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. This protects you from saying something that could harm your case. Your attorney can respond to requests for information, push back against lowball offers, and ensure the insurer treats your claim fairly.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
The claims process involves drafting legal documents, calculating the full value of your losses, and presenting your case to the responsible party.
Your personal injury lawyer should account for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other consequences of the crash. Proper valuation ensures you pursue fair compensation rather than settling for less than you deserve.
Throughout this process, your Portland car accident attorney will keep you informed and explain each step clearly and thoroughly.
Oregon law generally gives car accident victims two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to seek compensation through the courts. Your attorney can make sure all paperwork meets legal requirements and arrives on time.
Settlement Negotiation and Trial Representation
Most car accident claims settle before reaching trial.
However, reaching a fair settlement requires skilled negotiation. Your Portland auto accident attorney can present evidence of liability and the extent of your losses to push for a reasonable offer. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, your lawyer can prepare to take the case to court.
Trial representation involves presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making arguments before a judge or jury.
While most clients prefer to avoid trial, having an attorney ready to litigate sends a clear message to insurers. Adjusters often improve their settlement offers when they know a capable lawyer stands ready to fight in the courtroom.
How a Portland Car Accident Lawyer Protects Your Rights
Car accident legal representation in Portland goes beyond paperwork and negotiations. They also help by:
Providing legal advocacy
Your attorney serves as your advocate throughout the entire process. This means protecting you from insurance company pressure, ensuring you get proper medical documentation, and fighting for every dollar you are entitled to.
Avoiding mistakes
A skilled lawyer can also help you avoid common mistakes that could weaken your case. These include posting about the collision on social media, accepting early settlement offers, or missing important deadlines.
Navigating your claim
Your attorney will answer all your questions, guide your decisions, and keep your claim on track. This helps reduce your stress knowing your case is in good hands.
Taking the burden
Perhaps most importantly, having legal representation allows you to focus on healing while someone else handles the legal steps on your behalf.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Portland Today
Understanding how a car accident lawyer helps can make a real difference in your recovery.
From the initial consultation through settlement or trial, the right attorney will fight to protect your interests and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
At Rizk Law, we charge no upfront fee to handle your personal injury case.
We have been serving injured Oregonians for over 20 years, helping them secure the compensation they need to recover. Our team offers both insider insurance knowledge and personal experience as injury victims ourselves. We understand what you face and know how to hold negligent parties accountable.
Our efforts have resulted in many substantial settlements and verdicts for our deserving clients, as well as happy reviews from those we have helped, such as this one:
“Excellent team. they really made the process of walking though a personal injury claim seamless. kyle wagoner was exceptional to work with-he explained everything along the way with a reassuring and thoughtful approach with positive results. i highly recommend this firm!”
– Thomas
To speak with a Portland car accident lawyer about your claim, call our office today or contact us via our online form. We look forward to fighting for what you deserve.