Dealing with Car Repairs After a Crash in Portland
Car accidents can leave you feeling shaken, even if your injuries are minor or you walk away unharmed. After the dust settles, you’ll probably be left with a big question: What do I do about my damaged car? From dealing with your insurance company to finding a reliable repair shop, the process can be confusing especially if it’s your first time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about handling car repairs after a crash in Portland, Oregon.
Make Sure You Are Safe and Report the Accident
Before you even start thinking about repairs, your safety and the law come first. If you haven’t already:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Wait for the police to arrive and file a report.
- If it’s a minor accident and there are no injuries, you still need to file a report with the Oregon DMV if there is over $2,500 in damage.
Tip: Always take pictures of the accident scene, your car, the other vehicle(s), and any damage even if you’re not sure you’ll need them. These can help with insurance claims or legal issues later.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your car insurance company as soon as you can after the crash. Be ready with basic details like:
- Date and time of the accident
- Where it happened
- Description of what happened
- Contact and insurance details of the other driver(s)
- Photos you took at the scene
The insurance company will open a claim and may assign you a claims adjuster to inspect your car and go over repair costs.
Should I Use My Insurance or the Other Driver’s?
In Oregon, the person who caused the accident is usually responsible for paying for damages. But if the other driver’s insurance takes time to accept fault, you might want to go through your own policy first, especially if you have collision coverage.
Your company may fix the car, then get reimbursed by the other driver’s insurer later (called subrogation). This can help speed things up.
Get a Damage Estimate
Once the insurance company knows about the crash, they’ll ask for a damage estimate. You can usually:
- Visit a repair shop that partners with your insurer
- Choose your own auto body shop
The shop will examine your car and give an estimate for repairs. If you’re unsure where to go, you can always check reviews or ask trusted friends or family for recommendations.
Note: In Oregon, you are allowed to choose any repair shop even if your insurance company suggests another. They cannot force you to use their “preferred” partner.
Decide Whether to Repair or Replace
In some cases, your car may be “totaled.” This means the cost of repairs is more than the car is worth. If this happens, the insurer may offer a cash settlement instead of paying for repairs. In Oregon, a car is typically declared a total loss when repair costs reach 70–80% of its actual cash value (ACV).
You’ll then have to decide whether to:
- Accept the cash and buy another car
- Keep the car and repair it yourself (may require a salvage title)
Understand the Repair Timeline
Depending on the severity of the damage and how busy the shop is, your car repairs could take a few days to several weeks. Some factors that affect this include:
- Availability of parts
- Extent of the damage
- Insurance approval delays
Most shops will give you a rough timeline. Ask for updates and stay in contact with your repair shop and insurance company.
Ask About Rental Cars
If your policy includes rental car coverage, or the other driver’s insurance accepts responsibility, you may qualify for a rental vehicle while yours is in the shop.
Make sure you:
- Confirm who’s paying for the rental
- Know the limits (e.g., dollar amount per day or number of days)
- Keep receipts, especially if you need to be reimbursed
Know Your Rights as a Portland Driver
Oregon car accident laws give you the right to:
- Choose your own repair shop
- Request genuine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts instead of cheaper aftermarket ones
- Have repairs done properly and safely
You can also ask for a written estimate and itemized bill. If something doesn’t look right, don’t be afraid to question it. It’s your car you have the right to speak up.
What If the Insurance Company Disputes the Claim?
Sometimes, the insurance company may deny responsibility or offer a very low payout. In these cases, it’s best to speak to an experienced attorney who can:
- Review your policy
- Deal with the insurer on your behalf
- Help you file a lawsuit if necessary
Insurance companies may delay or downplay your claim to save money. Having someone on your side who knows the law can make a big difference.
When Injuries Are Involved
Car repair is only part of the picture. If you or someone with you was hurt in the crash, getting medical care should always come first. You may be entitled to compensation not just for your car, but for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional stress
That’s where a skilled car accident lawyer comes in.
Why Legal Help Matters When Dealing with Car Repairs
Even when it seems like a small accident, dealing with car repairs can turn into a headache especially if the insurance company is dragging its feet or blaming you for something you didn’t do.
A lawyer can help you:
- Make sure repair costs are fully covered
- Hold the other driver accountable
- Prove the accident wasn’t your fault
- Make sure you’re compensated for all related losses
If you feel overwhelmed or confused, that’s normal. Help is available.
Get Help from a Trusted Portland Car Accident Lawyer
At the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin, we understand how overwhelming life becomes after a car crash. From arranging car repairs and dealing with confusing insurance paperwork to managing rental vehicles, the process can feel never-ending. On top of that, if you’ve suffered injuries, your stress and frustration can increase quickly. That’s why we’re here to help take the pressure off your shoulders. Our team is committed to standing by your side, answering your questions, and fighting to make sure you get the compensation and support you deserve while you focus on healing and recovery. That’s where we come in.
Here’s why many Portland residents trust our firm:
- Over 15 years of experience in car accident cases
- Free consultations to help you understand your rights
- We speak English, Spanish, and French
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- Personalized, caring support from start to finish
We have helped many clients across Portland get the compensation they deserve, and we are ready to help you, too.
Conclusion
Dealing with car repairs after an accident in Portland can be stressful and time-consuming. From getting your car fixed to handling the insurance process, there’s a lot on your plate. You shouldn’t have to handle it all alone especially if you’re also coping with pain or financial worries from the crash. At the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin, we’re here to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether your claim is simple or complicated, you can trust us to give it the time and attention it needs.
