Portland Crash Evidence Playbook: 7 Records You Can Request Before They Disappear
Most injury cases are won or lost on evidence collected in the first days and weeks. In Portland-area crashes, some of the most valuable records are held by city/state agencies or transit systems — and retention windows can be short. This playbook gives you a practical, Portland-specific checklist of what to request and why it matters.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you have serious injuries, disputed fault, or a commercial/transit vehicle involved, get legal help quickly so evidence can be preserved.
Why this matters in Portland specifically
- Portland crashes may involve city intersections, state highways, and TriMet buses/MAX in the same claim.
- Evidence can be split across multiple agencies with different request processes.
- Some video/log data may be overwritten if preservation requests are delayed.
The 7-record priority checklist
- 1) Police report + case number
Start with the investigating agency report and supplemental narratives. - 2) 911 / CAD dispatch logs
Dispatch timestamps can clarify call timing, initial observations, and responding units. - 3) Nearby camera footage preservation
Request preservation from businesses, residences, and public/transit entities near the collision path. - 4) TriMet incident records (if bus/MAX involved)
Incident logs, operator reports, and onboard footage requests can be critical in transit-related injuries. - 5) PBOT signal/intersection records
Signal timing and intersection operation records may support visibility/timing analysis. - 6) ODOT records (state highway collisions)
If the crash occurred on an Oregon state route/highway, request relevant roadway/incident data. - 7) Vehicle EDR / telematics + phone records preservation
Preservation letters can protect key speed/braking/device-use evidence before it is lost.
Portland-area request starting points
- Portland Police records: portland.gov/police/records
- TriMet public records: trimet.org/publicrecords
- ODOT crash/data resources: oregon.gov/odot/Data/Pages/Crash-Data.aspx
- PBOT transportation operations: portland.gov/transportation
Copy-paste preservation request template
Subject: Preservation Request – Collision Evidence – [Date/Location]
To whom it may concern: Please preserve all records, video, logs, reports, and electronic data relating to the collision on [date/time] near [location], including any footage from [camera/vehicle], dispatch records, and incident documentation. This is a formal request to prevent routine deletion/overwriting while claims are evaluated.
Include identifying details you know (incident number, vehicle number, route number, direction of travel, and contact info). Keep a copy of every request you send.
What to do in the first 72 hours
- Get medical care and follow treatment instructions.
- Document injuries, vehicles, scene, and witness contacts.
- Send preservation requests fast (or have counsel do it).
- Avoid early recorded statements before understanding your claim value.
Related resources: What to Do After a Car Accident in Portland, Distracted Driving Cases, and Hit-and-Run Accidents.
Need help preserving evidence?
If you were injured in a Portland-area crash, Johnson Law can help identify what evidence matters and move quickly to preserve it. Request a free consultation or call (971) 205-3266.
