When you have been involved in a car accident, you need to know the best way to report the accident to the authorities and your insurance company. If this is your first serious accident, you might need to become more familiar with the reporting laws and requirements in your area. It’s important to know that the state of Oregon has specific rules regarding how and when to report accidents. In addition, you also may need to contact the local police or Oregon State Police about your accident.
Who to Contact at the Car Accident Scene
After a car crash, you should make a few key phone calls at the accident scene. First, call 911 if anyone appears to need immediate medical attention or if you need immediate assistance at the scene (for example, if a vehicle is on fire). If medical attention isn’t needed immediately, you still may need to call the police.
There are several reasons to call police to the scene of your accident even with no injuries. First, police will prepare a report regarding the accident that could be helpful for later insurance claims or a lawsuit. They may draw a diagram, interview witnesses, and take photos that you could use. Second, police can assist if you have any reason to believe that the other driver doesn’t have insurance, is underinsured, doesn’t have a license, or if the other driver fled the scene. Moreover, you may be required by law to call the non-emergency police line if you meet one of the requirements for DMV reporting described below.
Next, you should call a tow truck if your car can’t be driven safely. You’ll need a tow to an auto mechanic or a tow yard where you can retrieve your car later. Finally, don’t forget to call loved ones and tell them you’ve been in an accident. If you need medical attention at a hospital or emergency room, tell the paramedics your name and ask where you are being taken to help your loved ones find you.
Who to Contact After the Accident, and How to Report It
Once you’re safe and have been treated for injuries, you must report the accident. First, you should report it to your insurance company if you haven’t already done so. Your insurance policy likely requires you to report accidents as soon as possible afterward. You’ll need to open a claim with your insurance company for the accident in order to seek certain benefits afforded to you through your own insurance policy.
Most insurance companies have a specific phone number to call for claims. If you have insurance information for the other drivers involved, provide it to the representative. Be careful what you say to the representative on the phone call – typically, insurance companies record the calls. While you may be required to provide a recorded statement detailing the accident to your own insurance company in order to access certain benefits, it is best to avoid giving any recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. If a police report was taken, you can refer the representative to the report. If you have hired a lawyer, your lawyer can advise you on how to communicate with the insurance company.
In addition, you’ll likely need to report your accident to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Oregon rules require accident reporting within 72 hours (3 days) of a car crash if your accident meets one of the following requirements:
- “Damage to any vehicle is over $2,500 (even if your vehicle was the only one in the crash);
- Damages to any vehicle is over $2,500 and any vehicle is towed from the scene;
- Injury or death resulted from this accident; or
- Damages to anyone’s property other than a vehicle involved in this accident is more than $2,500.”
Most serious accidents will meet at least one of these requirements, so it’s best to report them to the DMV. If you fail to file a report when required, the DMV could suspend your license. Also, the DMV recommends filing a report when the other driver doesn’t have insurance, even if your accident doesn’t meet any of the above requirements. Note that filing a police report is different than reporting to the DMV. Even if you have a police report, you are still required to submit a report to the DMV if any of the above requirements are met.
If you’re unsure how to complete the Oregon DMV reporting, refer to the instructions on the DMV website or contact an Oregon car accident attorney for advice. Moreover, getting a free consultation from an Oregon accident attorney is a good idea if you were seriously injured in a multi-car accident. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Need Advice about an Oregon Car Accident? Call the Kang Law Group
If you’ve been injured in an Oregon car accident involving other vehicles, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the insurance company or the other drivers who were involved. Our team of auto accident lawyers can help you evaluate your options and advise you on your rights. The Kang Law Group offers free consultations to people needing confidential legal advice. Our offices are located in Beaverton, Gresham, and Salem, OR, as well as Vancouver, WA. Contact us at (503) 646-3131 or message us online to learn more.
