Traffic Accidents

What Do I Do If I’m Involved In A Traffic Accident?

First and foremost REMAIN CALM! (There is absolutely no reason to argue with the other driver about who is at fault as this will not help your situation in any way).
If any person is injured at the scene call 9-1-1
Oregon Revised Statutes dictate what a driver must do if they are involved in a traffic accident. You are required to:

1. Immediately stop the vehicle at the scene in a safe location.

2. Give to the other driver or passenger the name and address of the driver and the registration number of the vehicle that the driver is driving and the name and address of any other occupants of the vehicle.

3. Upon request, and if available, exhibit and give to the occupant or person attending any vehicle damaged the number of any documents issued as evidence of driving privileges granted to the driver.
If you are the driver of a vehicle that collides with an unattended vehicle or damage to fixtures or property you must:

1. Locate and notify the owner, or

2. Leave in a conspicuous place the name, address, registration number of the vehicle, and a statement of the circumstances thereof.
If you are involved in a traffic accident resulting in only property damage, and fail to meet these requirement, it is a Class A Misdemeanor. (811.700)
If you are involved in a traffic accident resulting in an injury and fail to meet these requirements, it is a Class C Felony. (811.705)

In Addition To Any Police Report That Is Filed:

You are required to file a DMV accident report when you are involved in a traffic accident and there is injury or death or damage to the property of any one person in excess of $1,000.

You can obtain a DMV Accident Report from any Police Department, or any DMV location, available at the DMV website www.oregondmv.com