Motor vehicle accidents can be a scary event, especially when there is an injury involved.

Immediately following an auto accident there are a few steps you can and should take yourself. These include checking for potential witnesses and obtaining their contact information; utilizing your camera or cell phone to take pictures from all angles of the accident; notifying the authorities as well as your insurance company and the DMV of the accident; and seeking medical attention. But after filing the necessary reports, speaking with police or witnesses, and possibly even visiting the hospital, you may be left with questions, wondering where to turn.

If you have been injured, keep in mind that it can take time for the full extent of your injuries to reveal themselves. For example, if the accident results in a muscle strain such as whiplash, the adrenaline rush experienced at the time of the accident could lead you to believe you are just shook up, and not seriously injured. But as the minutes tick by and the adrenaline leaves your body, your head may begin to hurt, your shoulders tightening and turning your neck becomes increasingly painful. Other injuries sustained can include everything from cuts and bruises to broken bones.

The result in these injuries can lead to expensive treatment plans, physical therapy, and lost wages because of time off, and you might be wondering what exactly does insurance do for you.

As a result of an accident there are potentially a number of insurance policies which are available to help you get healthy and compensate you for your injuries. In the state of Oregon, if you have auto insurance, you have coverage known as PIP, or personal injury protection. PIP is a no-fault health care and wage loss coverage, up to a maximum of $15,000 for up to a year after the accident. In Oregon, minimum PIP benefits include limited coverage for loss of earnings, funeral expenses, essential services, and child care.

Also if you have auto insurance, you have uninsured motorist/under-insured motorist coverage which is available if you are hurt by an uninsured or under-insured motorist.

There is also the insurance of the at-fault driver. From their insurance you have a right to claim medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The claim against the opposing insurance, however, should be taken with caution. The opposing adjuster will try to pressure you ending treatment, and signing an agreement for less than you deserve. Getting the at-fault side to fairly evaluate your claim and offer reasonable compensation often difficult to do and often requires the assistance of an attorney.

You need to focus on your recovery, and having a personal injury attorney navigate the waters of insurance policies and Oregon liability laws is in your best interest.

If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence, it would be in your best interests to contact a personal injury attorney. Call the offices of Jackson Law Office for your free consultation today, 541-556-9797.