Our auto accident attorneys in Portland, Oregon at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman know there is a lot of confusion occurring after a traffic collision. Once the involved parties can gather their thoughts, the adrenaline caused by the crash can create significant obstacles in securing evidence that can help build a successful personal injury claim.
One of the most important steps to take after a car accident in Oregon is to call the police to file an official accident report.
Before the police arrive at the crash scene, there are a few steps you can take to move your potential recovery in the right direction.
What are the Steps to Take Immediately After an Oregon Traffic Accident?
The first thing you can do after an auto accident is to check yourself for injuries to ensure it is okay to stay behind at the scene. If so, move to a safe location near the crash site, and wait for the police to arrive.
Do not admit fault for the crash or speculate about what may have happened. Stick the facts and share your driver’s license, registration, and insurance details with the other driver and request the same records from him or her.
Collect any relevant information from witnesses at the scene, including what they saw and how to contact them later.
When, and if, the police arrive, law enforcement will summarize the accident and crash scene.
What Details Are Included in an Oregon Police Crash Report?
An Oregon car accident police report contains important information regarding the crash, including:
- Date and time the accident occurred.
- Personal information of all parties involved including insurance details and statements.
- Description of the accident.
- Description of the visibility, weather, and location.
- Diagram of the scene.
- Witness statements and contact information.
- Violations of law, when applicable.
Importantly, the document will include their own personal statement of observations and opinions regarding the accident, and who was at fault for the crash. If the police do not respond, record this information on your own, while the details of the crash are still top of mind.
Why Would I Need an Oregon Crash Report to Support My Personal Injury Claim?
A police report may help when pursuing an insurance settlement following a car accident in Oregon.
While the crash report itself cannot be used in court, it can be used as a resource to further investigate the accident, provide evidence of certain facts such as witness contacts, and detailed information that may prove invaluable to your personal injury claim.
How to Obtain an Oregon Car Accident Police Report?
When law enforcement responds to the scene of an accident and completes a crash report, they will provide you with a receipt of the police report that includes an identification number.
Oregon crash report requests should be directed to the city police department that arrived at the scene, or the Oregon State Police if they handled the report. Other information regarding the crash can be directed to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you have been injured in a traffic crash in Oregon, our experienced Multnomah County attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman may request a copy of the crash report on your behalf, so you can focus on your physical recovery.
Contact us today at (503) 242-1440 and get the help you need to make informed decisions about the direction of your case.
