3 Key Steps to Filing an Oregon Crash Report

The moments in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident in Oregon can feel truly frantic, making it difficult for crash victims to know what they need to do. There are a variety of important steps Oregon drivers should take after an accident, but among the most crucial is filing an Oregon crash report. But what exactly does this mean?

An Oregon crash report, or as it’s more officially known, the Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report, is a form that drivers can fill out after a motor vehicle collision in Oregon to make the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) aware of the incident. It is absolutely essential that Oregon drivers be aware of what is expected of them in the event of a crash, as accident reports are often mandatory. To simplify things, we’ve put together the following guide to handling your accident report in 3 key steps.

Step 1: Determine If You're Required to File

Under Oregon law, you must file an accident report with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 72 hours of the accident if it meets certain criteria. Failing to do so not only could limit your potential recovery but may be considered a Class B traffic violation, which could net you a fine up to $1,000.

But what are the specific circumstances which mandate an accident report? According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, you must file an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report with the DMV under the following conditions:

• Vehicle damage or other property damage exceeds $2,500.
• Any vehicle is towed from the scene.
• The accident results in injury or death.

A police report does not fulfill the requirement for filing an accident report with the Oregon DMV, meaning even if a police report has already been filed, you must still submit an accident report to the DMV, provided the accident meets the mandatory reporting criteria.

Step 2: Gather the Information You Need

To successfully complete the Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report, you’ll need a few pieces of key information:

Details of the Collision

The first section provided for you to fill out includes the major details of the incident. This includes the date and time of the crash, the county and road where the accident occurred as well as the closest city, intersection, mile marker, as applicable. The form will also ask about how many vehicles were involved, and what types of vehicles were involved. Fill out all of this information to the best of your ability—if you can’t fill out an Oregon crash report at the scene, record this information to refer to later.

Your Personal Information

The next section is crucial—the DMV needs your personal identifying information to fully understand your involvement in the crash. You will be asked to provide your name, gender, date of birth, driver's license number, and address, plus your insurance provider’s name and your policy number. In addition, you’ll need to be provide your vehicle’s license plate number, registration state, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, and model. If you are not the owner of the vehicle, you’ll also need to provide the owner’s name and address.

The following information is specifically required, and failing to provide accurate details could result in a suspension of driving privileges, so if you’re not sure of any of this information at the scene of the accident, do your best to confirm these details as soon as possible:

• Insurance company name
• Insurance policy number
• Vehicle identification number

More Information to Provide in the Report

The Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report also includes the following sections for you to provide more thorough information:

• A set of statements regarding the accident with checkboxes. Mark all that apply to your situation.
• The same personal details you provided for yourself, but this time for the other involved driver. If there were more than two vehicles involved in the crash, there is also a supplemental report where you can fill in other drivers’ information.
• A more detailed and comprehensive section with further specifications you can fill out, such as the action you were trying to take when the collision happened, the road conditions at the time of impact, and the points on your vehicle which were hit.

Step 3: Submit Your Report

The Oregon DMV has made efforts to make accident reporting as straightforward and painless as possible. As such, there are multiple accepted ways to file an accident report. For Oregon residents, the most highly recommended method is to complete the report online, a newer option that eliminates the need for printing, mailing, and/or faxing. You can access the online reporting feature through Oregon’s DMV2U website.

For non-Oregon residents or anyone else seeking an alternative method, you can still obtain the form through multiple other avenues, including the following:

• Download the Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report form online.
• Request a copy via phone from DMV Customer Assistance.
• Pick up a paper form from any DMV field office or local law enforcement department.

If you use one of these methods to obtain the form, you can submit it in one of the following ways:

• Mail the completed form to DMV Crash Reporting Unit, 1905 Lana Ave, Salem, OR 97314.
• Fax the completed form to 503-945-5267.
• Bring the completed form to a physical DMV office to submit in person.

Make sure to save a copy of the completed form to your device or make a physical copy for your records. This is an important measure to ensure your information is retained. Alternatives to email submission include faxing or mailing to the DMV Crash Reporting Unit.

Why File a Crash Report in Oregon?

Filing an Oregon crash report isn’t just a bureaucratic step; it’s a vital part of the post-accident process. This report plays a crucial role in:

• Documenting the incident for legal and insurance purposes.
• Facilitating the insurance claims process.
• Serving as an official record that may influence driving privileges.
• Establishing the facts of the case, possibly providing a stronger basis for car accident compensation.

Additional Steps Alongside Filing a Crash Report in Oregon 

In addition to filing a crash report in Oregon, there are some additional steps that should go on your Oregon car accident checklist. Here are a few of the most important:

Document the Scene

Capture photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, and the surrounding area, specifically making sure to document any conditions which may have affected the accident. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and legal matters as it provides a clear record of the accident.

Gather Information

Collect contact details and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident. Additionally, if there are witnesses, their accounts can be invaluable; thus, gather their contact information as well.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Early notification can help facilitate the claims process. Be prepared to provide them with all the information and evidence you have gathered from the scene, but be careful with what you say to your insurer. Focus on the facts of the incident, and don’t apologize, admit fault, or downplay the situation.

Seek Medical Attention

If you suspect any injuries—even if they are not immediately apparent—seek medical attention. Many car accident injuries such as whiplash or concussions may not manifest until hours or even days after the accident. Documentation from a medical professional can be critical for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Keep Records

Maintain a comprehensive file of all documents related to the accident. This includes the accident report, correspondence with your insurance company, medical records, receipts for any accident-related expenses, and any other pertinent documentation.

Legal Consultation

Consult with a personal injury attorney, particularly if the accident involved significant damage, injuries, or potential litigation. An attorney can offer guidance on how to proceed and ensure that your rights are protected. If possible, it’s best to speak to an attorney before officially beginning the claims process, but a lawyer’s guidance can be invaluable at any stage.

Need Legal Support After an Accident in Oregon?

At Senft Legal, we’re dedicated to providing attentive guidance and support at every step. Our team can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your injuries. We specialize in a variety of different types of accidents, offering personalized representation tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you assess your next steps and move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Sources

• "Collision Reporting and Responsibilities." Oregon.gov, Oregon Department of Transportation, www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/accidentreport.aspx.
• Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 153.
• Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 811.
• Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report.