Car accidents can create major disruptions and complications for those who suffer injuries. Suddenly, you face a long road to recovery, and your injuries may impact your mobility and your ability to work or earn wages. In addition to the physical pain stemming from the auto collision, you may experience emotional or psychological disturbances, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or insomnia. These symptoms can be overwhelming, making it harder for you to focus on your physical recovery and your overall well-being. However, it’s essential to recognize that Oregon and Washington allow injured victims to recover non-economic damages to assist with the harder-to-quantify costs associated with the fallout of the auto accident. If you need help understanding how to pursue compensation following a car accident in Portland or Vancouver, reach out to a dedicated and compassionate personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Defining Pain and Suffering
Most people understand that they have the right to recover compensation after suffering an auto accident injury. They can file a claim with the insurance company and provide documentation detailing their medical expenses, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses caused by the accident. However, car accidents impact victims in several other ways, some of which cannot be quantified in a concrete number. The term “pain and suffering” refers to the emotional and mental distress victims may face in addition to their physical injuries. This umbrella term encompasses issues like mental anguish, depression, anxiety, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of enjoyment of life, or other symptoms or conditions that interfere with your recovery.
Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages
Since there are no receipts or numbers to quantify the degree to which your pain and suffering have impacted your life, your attorney will help you assess a number of factors to arrive at a general estimate. For instance, they will consider the severity of your injuries, the permanence of your injuries (i.e., whether your injuries will cause permanent damage or paralysis), your age, how the injuries impact your ability to work, the long-term impact of your injuries on your employability, and more. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you maximize your settlement offer and recover the compensation you need to help you rebuild your life.
Statute of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims
Navigating the aftermath of an auto accident injury can be chaotic and disorienting. As you cope with your physical, mental, emotional, and economic recovery, it’s easy to put off filing a personal injury claim. However, you should recognize that there is a time limit (called a statute of limitations) for filing a civil claim in Oregon and Washington. In Oregon, accident victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim, while those in Washington typically have three years to pursue a claim. While these windows may seem long, filing a claim can take considerable time and effort. Your best bet is to contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you do not forfeit your right to pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
The Benefits of Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer
In addition to helping you pursue a personal injury claim, your attorney can assist you in several ways. They will examine the specifics of your situation and help you identify your goals, and they will help you identify the most strategic course of action to maximize your chances of recovering a fair and favorable settlement. One of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of the recovery process is dealing with insurance adjusters, as their loyalty lies in saving the company money and paying claimants as little as possible. Instead of wasting your valuable energy on these contentious negotiations, allow your attorney to advocate on your behalf. Your lawyer has navigated these conversations before, and they know how to push for a more equitable settlement offer.
Supporting You at Every Turn
It’s natural to want to recover compensation as quickly as possible after the accident. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters will use your eagerness to make initial lowball settlement offers in the hopes that you will accept their offer instead of pushing for a more favorable settlement. With a trusted auto accident attorney in your corner, you can reject this offer and negotiate a settlement that compensates you more generously for your injuries. Your lawyer is here to offer support, answer your questions, address your concerns, and take the necessary steps to ensure you obtain the compensation you need to focus on your recovery. Let your attorney defend your best interests while you focus on what matters most—the healing process.
Reach out to Henderson Taylor Law Firm today by calling (360) 737-1478 to speak with a trusted and compassionate Vancouver and Portland personal injury attorney.
