Personal Injury FAQs | D'Amore Law Group

How do I report nursing home abuse?

Well, the first thing you would do to report nursing home abuse is contacting your state agency. Your state agency would initiate an investigation and those investigators are permitted and have to be allowed into the facility if it has been nursing home abuse. You should also hire an attorney. The attorney can help the family members go through this process of submitting a formal complaint to the nursing home and to the state agency. And so, get an attorney involved right away, file the complaints right away, and allow your attorney to help you through the process.

What to Do After a Car or Bike Accident

An unexpected car or bike accident can turn an ordinary day into a life-changing event in seconds. In those critical moments, knowing what to do after a car accident or a bike crash can mean the difference between chaos and control, between protecting your rights and jeopardizing them. Every step you take after an accident—from ensuring your safety to documenting the incident—can significantly impact your recovery and ability to seek justice.

At D’Amore Law Group, we recognize that these times can leave you wondering what to do if you get in a car accident or are a biker hit by a car. With millions secured in verdicts and settlements and recognition as one of Oregon’s Top 50 Lawyers, Tom D’Amore and our team possess the skill and dedication to stand by your side. When your future is at stake, trust the firm that consistently produces results.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The first step after a car or bike crash is to ensure your safety and that of others involved. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further harm. Turn on your hazard lights and, if available, use cones or other warning devices to alert other drivers.

After, assess whether you or anyone else involved requires medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention, as some conditions, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately visible. Medical evaluations can also provide critical evidence in future legal or insurance claims.

2. Contact Law Enforcement

In Oregon and Washington, reporting accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage is generally required. Contact local law enforcement to report the incident. Officers will document the scene, gather witness statements, and create an official accident report, which can be a valuable resource during insurance claims or legal proceedings. Failing to report an accident per state law can result in penalties, so understanding these regulations is crucial.

3. Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Important details to collect include:

Full names,
Phone numbers,
License plate numbers,
Insurance providers; and
Policy numbers.

If there are witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information, too. Witness testimony can be crucial for determining fault or clarifying details about the incident.

4. Document the Scene

Thoroughly documenting the accident scene is crucial for safeguarding your legal rights. Use your smartphone to capture photographs or videos of:

Vehicle damage,
Road conditions,
Traffic signs or signals,
Skid marks or debris, and
Visible injuries.

Additionally, take notes on the time, date, weather conditions, and any other relevant details. Accurate documentation can bolster your case when working with insurance adjusters or seeking legal action.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Understanding what to do if you get in a car accident includes notifying your insurance company promptly. Provide a factual account of the accident, but refrain from discussing fault, as liability will be determined after a thorough investigation. Keep copies of all communications and documentation related to the claim, including any estimates for vehicle repairs or medical bills.

6. Understand Legal Requirements for Cyclists

Cyclists involved in accidents encounter unique challenges. If you are a biker hit by a car, it is essential to follow the steps mentioned earlier while also understanding that in both Oregon and Washington, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles and must adhere to traffic regulations while operating on public roads.

7. Seek Legal Advice

Navigating the aftermath of a car or bike accident can be complex, particularly when dealing with injuries, insurance disputes, or questions of liability. Consulting with an experienced attorney and asking, What should I do after a car accident? can provide clarity and help protect your rights. An attorney can assist with:

Gathering evidence and evaluating the extent of your damages,
Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement, and
Representing you in court if litigation becomes necessary.

In Oregon and Washington, specific statutes govern personal injury claims, including time limits for filing lawsuits. Consulting with legal counsel promptly can help you avoid missing important deadlines.

8. Preserve Evidence

Preserving evidence is critical when building a strong case. Try to maintain copies of the following:

Medical records,
Police reports,
Correspondence with insurance companies, and
Repair estimates for damaged property.

Refrain from repairing or disposing of damaged items, like bicycles or vehicles, until they have been thoroughly documented. This evidence can be crucial in determining fault and assessing damages.

9. Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident to gather information. While cooperating is important, exercise caution when discussing the incident’s details. Avoid making statements they could interpret as admitting fault or minimizing your injuries. It is wise to consult an attorney before providing recorded statements or accepting settlement offers.

10. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Understanding your rights and responsibilities after an accident is essential for achieving a fair outcome. In Oregon and Washington, comparative negligence laws enable injured parties to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, compensation is typically reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party. Consulting an attorney familiar with these state-specific laws can offer valuable guidance.

Knowing What to Do After a Car Accident Is Crucial

Knowing what to do after a car accident or a bike crash is essential for protecting your safety, preserving evidence, and safeguarding your legal rights. By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident with greater confidence and clarity. Whether you are dealing with injuries, property damage, or insurance disputes, prompt and informed action is the key to achieving a fair resolution.

Call D’Amore Law Group Today

If you have been involved in a car or bike accident in Oregon or Washington, the skilled attorneys at D’Amore Law Group are ready to assist you. With a dedication to upholding justice for injured individuals and their families, our team can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today for a consultation.

Resources

Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.755, link

Oregon Revised Statutes § 12.110, link

Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080, link

Oregon Revised Statutes § 31.600, link

Revised Code of Washington § 4.22.005, link

Oregon Revised Statutes § 814.400, link

Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.755, link

What is financial exploitation?

Financial exploitation involves an individual taking advantage of, for instance, an elderly person, getting access to their medical information, to their financial information, to their property that they own. Unfortunately, some folks have taken advantage of the elderly in this way, got access to their bank accounts, cleared out their bank accounts, got access to their real property records and actually transferred the property from the elderly person to themselves.

There’s a vast amount of financial exploitation of the elderly that’s going on. It’s not just individuals that are professional thieves, it’s a lot of times family members that have taken advantage of their financial situation. We at D’Amore Law Group handle those types of cases to try and help the elderly person that’s been exploited.

How do I find a bicycle accident attorney?

What does somebody look for in a bicycle injury lawyer? In the state of Oregon, and Portland, in particular, it seems everybody rides their bike and it’s not just for recreational purposes. A lot of people rely on their bike to get to work, to and from every day. It’s important to know that you’re unprotected when you’re on a bicycle and so the injuries that we see from bicycle injury cases, they’re just devastating. So it’s important that an attorney be familiar with the bicycle laws within the state. It’s important that the attorney knows what the automobile laws are within the state and what protections automobile drivers need to take for bicycle riders. And so it’s a very important area and an area where we have a lot of knowledge.

What constitutes elder abuse?

Elder abuse is anytime somebody takes advantage of an elderly person in an improper manner. In other words, if a person is in a nursing home and they are not cared for properly or they’re physically abused, or sexually abused, or emotionally abused. A lot of times, elderly are vulnerable and really want help. Unfortunately, there are people out there that prey on the elderly.

That can also get into financial issues where they take advantage of the person and then get access to their bank accounts, to their investment accounts, to their real property records. Sometimes, we have to get the criminal authorities involved in order to deal with a criminal act. We at D’Amore Law Group handle those types of case to try and help the elderly person that’s been exploited.

What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Accident

A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling helpless and uncertain about their next steps. Unlike other collisions, where the at-fault driver is present to exchange information, hit-and-run accidents involve a driver who flees the scene, making it difficult to determine liability and recover damages. Many victims believe they have no legal options if the responsible driver is never found, but that is not the case. It is important to contact a skilled car accident lawyer who can help.

Knowing what to do in a hit-and-run can protect your rights and help you secure financial compensation. From filing an uninsured motorist claim to gathering evidence, taking the proper steps immediately after the accident can improve your chances of recovering compensation.

At D’Amore Law Group, we help victims of hit-and-run accidents in Oregon and Washington understand their legal options and fight for the compensation they deserve.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Hit-and-run accidents happen in a matter of seconds, leaving victims confused and unsure of what to do next. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these steps to protect yourself and strengthen your case.

1. Ensure Safety First

Your safety should be the top priority. If the accident occurs on a busy roadway, move your vehicle to a safe location. If you have passengers, check for injuries and call for medical assistance if necessary.

2. Call Law Enforcement

It is critical to report the accident to the police immediately. Law enforcement officers will document the incident, collect statements from any witnesses, and search for any available traffic or security camera footage. A police report is also necessary when filing a hit-and-run insurance claim.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Even though the other driver has fled, collecting as much information as possible can help the investigation. Take photos of vehicle damage and debris on the road. Include pictures of skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. Write down any identifying details of the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, or partial license plate number.

4. Speak with Witnesses

Bystanders may have seen the accident and could provide valuable information about the fleeing driver or vehicle. Collect their contact information and statements, as witness testimony can support your claim.

5. Look for Nearby Cameras

Traffic cameras, security cameras, or dashcams capture many hit-and-run accidents. If the accident occurs near a business or intersection, ask nearby establishments if they have surveillance footage that might have recorded the incident.

6. Avoid Chasing the Other Driver

While it may be tempting to follow the driver who hit you, doing so could put you at risk. Instead, focus on gathering evidence and reporting the incident to law enforcement.

Filing a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim

Many accident victims assume they cannot recover compensation if they cannot identify the at-fault driver. However, in Oregon and Washington, most drivers have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which applies in hit-and-run cases. Here is how different types of coverage can help:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. If the fleeing driver is never found, UM coverage can compensate for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Collision coverage. This insurance can cover vehicle repairs after a hit-and-run accident, even if the at-fault driver is unidentified.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP coverage helps pay for medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who was at fault.

To file a hit-and-run insurance claim, victims should:

Report the accident to their insurer as soon as possible;
Provide all available evidence, including the police report, witness statements, and photos; and
Work with an attorney to ensure the insurance company does not undervalue or deny the claim.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in hit-and-run cases. Legal representation can help ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their losses.

Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in Oregon and Washington. These drivers face criminal penalties such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Even if a driver is not criminally charged, they may still be liable for civil (monetary) damages. Victims may pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit if the at-fault driver is identified. An attorney can work with investigators and law enforcement to locate and hold the responsible driver accountable.

What If Someone Hit My Car and Drove Off While I Was Not There?

Hit-and-run accidents frequently occur when vehicles are parked. If someone hit your car and drove off, follow these steps:

Document the damage. Take photos of the vehicle from multiple angles.
Look for witnesses. Nearby individuals may have seen the accident and can provide useful information.
Check for security footage. Businesses or parking garages may have cameras that caught the incident on tape.
File a police report. Even if the damage seems minor, a report can help when filing a claim.

Coverage for a hit-and-run on a parked car depends on whether you have uninsured motorist or collision coverage. Contact your insurance company to learn more.

How Long Do You Have to File a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim?

In Oregon and Washington, there are specific deadlines for filing hit-and-run claims:

Insurance deadlines. Most insurance policies require that hit-and-run claims be reported within a short timeframe, sometimes as little as 30 days.
Legal statute of limitations. In Oregon, victims generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Washington, the statute of limitations is typically three years.

Failing to act within these deadlines can jeopardize a claim. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible ensures that all legal options remain available.

Speak with a Hit-and-Run Attorney Today

A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling frustrated and uncertain about their next steps. However, legal options are still available, even if the driver is never found. Knowing what to do in a hit-and-run situation can help protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving compensation.

D’Amore Law Group has extensive experience handling hit-and-run accident claims in Oregon and Washington. Our attorneys work tirelessly to help victims recover financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage.

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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