After A Car Accident

Know These Top 10 Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

More than 2 million people are injured every year in the U.S. as a result of auto accidents. In Oregon, there are more than 40,000 auto accidents resulting in more than 30,000 injuries every year, with hundreds of those injuries unfortunately resulting in death.

If you are in an auto accident, here are the 10 steps you need to take immediately to protect yourself and your family:

1. Call Emergency Services
   1. Call 9-1-1 if anyone is injured and ask for medical assistance.
2. Take Photos
   1. Take photos of the scene of the accident as soon as possible, preferably before the vehicles are moved.
3. Reposition Vehicles if Needed
   1. If the position of the vehicles after the crash is creating a road hazard, move the vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible. If it is unsafe to do so, wait for assistance from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) or first responders.
4. Contact the Police
   1. Contact the police and request that an officer be dispatched to the scene to take statements and issue a citation, if necessary.
5. Cooperate with the Police
   1. Cooperate with the police when they arrive, but do not admit to fault. Make sure to request a copy of the auto accident report and the officer’s name or badge number before they leave the scene of the accident.
6. Get The Other Driver's Information
   1. Make sure you ask for the other driver’s insurance information, as well as his or her name. If possible take a photo of their driver’s license. Also, obtain the contact information of any witnesses who observed the auto accident.
7. Communicate Carefully
   1. Do not communicate or give any sort of statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company until after you have talked with an experienced Portland auto accident attorney.
8. Report Your Claim
   1. Do report the claim to your auto insurance company, and make sure to write down the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim number to give to your medical providers. Remember to fill out an Oregon DMV accident report within 72 hours, or your driver’s license may be suspended.
9. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   1. If you are hurt, seek immediate medical attention. Do not delay—it could jeopardize your bodily injury claim. Make sure to tell your treating doctor everything that hurts. Do not minimize your injuries.
10. Contact a Lawyer
    1. Contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at Johnson Law, as soon as possible for a free consultation so that you can learn about the auto accident claims process and what we can do to help.

If you follow the above 10 Steps to Take After an Auto Accident, you will have done everything possible to protect your legal interests in the event your or your loved one’s injuries turn out to be serious or catastrophic. It is important to keep in mind that every auto accident presents unique challenges, which is why it is vital to consult with an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible after the auto accident.

It is common for folks injured in auto accidents to believe that the insurance claims process will work itself out with minimal involvement or effort on their part. This may be true with minor auto accidents resulting in temporary injuries. However, in auto accidents that result in serious or catastrophic injuries, you need to take immediate action, including consulting with an attorney to understand your legal rights and remedies.

The auto accident attorneys at Johnson Law offer free consultations, so please do not delay. Contact Johnson Law today for a free consultation regarding your auto accident bodily injury claim. Remember, we guarantee that if we do not recover compensation, you will not pay our attorney fee.