Car accidents can be overwhelming — especially in Portland’s rainy November weather, when visibility drops and crashes increase across Gresham, Clackamas, Troutdale, and Happy Valley. After a collision, you’re likely facing medical bills, lost time from work, and calls from insurance adjusters who seem friendly but are trained to minimize payouts.
At Peterson Law Offices, we’ve helped Oregon and Washington drivers navigate insurance claims since 1991. This guide explains how to handle your claim properly, protect your rights, and know when it’s time to call an attorney.
Step 1: Gather and Preserve Evidence Immediately
After any crash, evidence is key. Oregon is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident (and their insurer) must pay for damages. To support your case, collect as much information as possible at the scene:
- Photographs – Take pictures of vehicle damage, weather conditions, street signs, and any skid marks.
- Witness information – Gather names and contact details from bystanders.
- Police report number – Always request the report number from responding officers.
- Medical documentation – Even minor pain can become a larger injury later; get checked by a doctor right away.
This evidence will form the foundation of your car accident claim and make it harder for insurers to dispute your version of events.
Step 2: Report the Accident Promptly
Oregon law requires that crashes resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, but keep your comments factual and brief. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
In Portland, rainy weather often contributes to multi-vehicle accidents where liability is unclear. Insurance companies may attempt to use weather as an excuse to deny or reduce claims, but negligent driving in poor conditions is still negligence.
An experienced injury law firm near me like Peterson Law Offices can step in early to handle communications, ensuring your rights are protected.
Step 3: Be Cautious When Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters might seem helpful, but their goal is to limit payouts. Common tactics include:
- Asking for recorded statements to twist your words
- Offering early settlements that don’t cover long-term medical care
- Pressuring you to waive certain rights or sign documents prematurely
Before agreeing to anything, consult with an attorney who specializes in car accident claim help in Portland. Once you’re represented, insurers are legally required to speak with your lawyer instead of you — relieving much of the stress and risk of making a costly mistake.
Step 4: Understand What Your Claim Covers
A proper car accident claim can include more than just vehicle repairs. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future rehabilitation or surgery
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma
- Property damage to your vehicle and belongings
At Peterson Law Offices, we thoroughly evaluate every claim to ensure all losses are accounted for — not just those that appear on the first medical bill.
Step 5: Document Every Interaction
Keep detailed records of every phone call, email, or letter from insurance representatives. Write down names, dates, and summaries of conversations. These records can be invaluable if a dispute arises or the insurer delays payment.
If you receive a denial letter, don’t panic. Many legitimate claims are initially rejected due to missing information or unclear liability. Your attorney can appeal the decision and strengthen your evidence through accident reconstruction experts or witness statements.
Step 6: Know When to Call an Attorney
You don’t need to wait until your claim is denied to contact a lawyer. In fact, the earlier you get professional guidance, the better your chances of a fair settlement. Consider reaching out to a Portland injury law firm if:
- You suffered serious or long-term injuries
- Fault is being disputed
- The insurer offers a low settlement
- You’re unsure what your claim is truly worth
Our team at Peterson Law Offices has over three decades of experience handling personal injury and auto accident claims. We manage every stage of the process — from initial filing to negotiation or litigation — so clients can focus on recovery.
Step 7: Stay Within Oregon’s Deadlines
Oregon has strict time limits for filing personal injury claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, but exceptions exist for government vehicles and other special circumstances. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Our firm closely monitors every timeline to ensure your case stays compliant with state law.
Local Experience You Can Trust
Whether your crash happened on Powell Boulevard in Portland, Highway 26 near Gresham, or I-205 through Clackamas, we understand the local traffic patterns, weather hazards, and insurance company tactics that can affect your case.
Read what clients say in our testimonials, or visit our office to speak directly with our legal team. You can also schedule a consultation through our contact page.
