Legal representation supported by technical investigation
Insurers have experts and investigation teams to analyse accidents. Injured parties should also be able to rely on specialist technical support to protect their interests.
At Portugal Lawyers, we combine our lawyers’ work with an investigation into the causes and circumstances of the accident. We examine the available evidence, identify inconsistencies and assess the grounds for the insurer’s conclusions.
This combined approach helps establish who actually contributed to the accident, challenge decisions where there are grounds to do so and substantiate the compensation claim.
Illustrative image of a technical accident investigation.
Our aim is to give injured parties a more equal footing in analysing and defending their case, with technical and legal expertise working in their interests.
Has the insurer held you responsible for the accident?
Whether the insurer has held you entirely responsible or divided liability between the drivers, it is important to understand whether its decision reflects what actually happened.
Although insurers use investigation firms and some have their own experts, aspects of how the accident occurred may remain insufficiently examined.
At Portugal Lawyers, we examine the reasons for the decision and compare them with the available evidence. We look for overlooked circumstances, inconsistencies and technically supported interpretations that can help establish who actually caused the accident.
A division of liability also deserves scrutiny. The involvement of two vehicles does not, in itself, mean that both drivers contributed to the accident.
Where we find grounds to challenge the insurer’s conclusion, we combine technical investigation with our lawyers’ intervention to defend the client’s position and compensation claim.
When both vehicles have the same insurer
Some clients approach us with concerns about the division of liability when both vehicles are insured by the same company. They question whether the decision reflects a thorough examination of the accident and whether their account has been properly considered.
Our work focuses on the facts: we examine the reasons given, compare the accounts and analyse the technical evidence that supports — or may contradict — the liability assigned to each driver.
The key is to establish whether that division reflects how the accident occurred and each party’s actual contribution to it.
02 / Compensation
Total loss: does the proposed amount allow you to replace your vehicle?
A compensation offer should be assessed in light of the vehicle’s characteristics and condition before the accident. The cost of buying an equivalent vehicle, the salvage valuation and the reasons given for ruling out repairs all require scrutiny.
At Portugal Lawyers, we combine technical analysis with legal assessment to evaluate the insurer’s offer and identify grounds to challenge it.
Unable to use your vehicle?
Travelling to work, taking children to school and other daily needs may be disrupted after an accident. Loss of use may be compensable, even if you have not hired another vehicle, including in total-loss cases.
We examine your usual use of the vehicle, the period without it, the alternatives made available and the expenses incurred to substantiate a compensation claim suited to the circumstances.
03 / Workshop and repairs
Choosing a workshop and monitoring repairs
When claiming repairs from the insurer of the party responsible for the accident, you may accept its proposed workshop or choose another. This decision should take account of the workshop’s technical capabilities, the work required, timescales and arrangements for monitoring the vehicle.
Before authorising work, it is important to clarify which damage has been accepted, the operations planned, the parts to be used and who will pay. Any additional damage identified after dismantling should be documented and reported.
Monitoring repairs helps track progress, record delays and clarify disagreements between the workshop and insurer. On delivery, it is important to check the work performed and document any defects or faults so that correction can be sought from the responsible party.
Technical monitoring of repairs
Specialist companies monitor work at the workshop, check the parts and materials used and assess whether the repairs match the agreed scope. This support can help identify and document shortcomings requiring clarification or correction.
For this service, Portugal Lawyers recommends engaging specialist external providers suited to the needs of the case. Their reports can support our legal work in disputes over the work performed, repair defects or the responsibilities of the workshop and insurer.
