FAQs: Car Accident Reports in Oregon

When you have been involved in an Oregon car accident, it is normal to have many questions. Finding the right information regarding car accident reports in Oregon can be difficult. 

There are many questions about Oregon accident reports that crash victims frequently ask. Some of the most commonly asked questions about collision reports in the Beaver State include:

Are You Legally Required to File an Accident Report?

In many cases, the answer is “yes.” While some minor collisions do not need to be reported, more severe crashes do. 

In Oregon, you are legally required to file a record of your accident with the state DMV if it meets any of the following criteria:

• The crash results in the death of someone involved
• The collision results in an injury
• The accident causes at least $1,500 in property damage
• Any of the involved vehicles are towed from the scene 

If no injuries or deaths result from the crash, you may not have to file an accident report. This is especially true if no significant property damage happens.

How Long Do You Have to File an Oregon Accident Report?

For accidents or collisions that meet the specified requirements, you must file a report within 72 hours of the incident. These reports should be filed with the Oregon DMV. 

These documents are known as “Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Reports.” For help filing one of the critical reports, reach out to a car accident lawyer. This is an important step if you hope to file a successful tort claim.

What Information Is Included on an Oregon Car Accident Claim?

DMV accident reports serve as a neutral third-person representation of the details of a collision. These documents contain many important pieces of information that can help in the case of a resulting legal claim. 

Some of the information on an Oregon car crash report includes: 

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Names and contact information for drivers and passengers involved
• Information about pedestrians harmed in the crash
• Makes, models, and years of vehicles involved
• Driver’s license numbers for those involved
• Estimations of the value of monetary damages
• License plate numbers and registration information
• Relevant weather and road conditions 

If you are unsure about how to proceed, make sure to contact a knowledgeable Oregon attorney about filing a report. When you have filed an accident report, you will have a better chance of recovering the financial damages to which you are entitled.

Is a DMV Accident Report the Same as a Police Report?

No. In the state of Oregon, police reports do not count as filing a report through the state DMV. If you have experienced a crash that resulted in deaths, injuries, or qualifying property damage, you must contact the DMV. 

While police accident reports do not make DMV reports irrelevant, they are still important. It is crucial to call local law enforcement before leaving the scene of your collision. A police accident report will serve as compelling evidence if you choose to pursue a tort claim for compensation.

Should You Speak with a Lawyer When Filing a Collision Report?

Yes, a lawyer can help you file an Oregon DMV accident report. A knowledgeable professional can assist you in collecting the necessary information and ensuring the report is filled out correctly.  

You are required by law to report the accident to the DMV within 72 hours of the incident. For this reason, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. They can advise you about your legal rights and options after a collision.  

Car Accidents We Cover

• Distracted driving
• Lane Change Crashes
• Lane Splitting Accidents
• Left-Turn Accidents
• Highway Crashes
• Hit-and-Run Accidents
• Intersection Crashes
• Parking Lot Accidents
• Road Defects

Car Accident Resources

• Car Accident Statistics
• Child Car Seat Laws
• Chest Injuries
• Can I Be Compensated for Pre-Existing Conditions?
• Do I Need a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident?
• Uninsured Motorist Claims
• Most Dangerous Roads/Intersections in Portland, OR
• How Long Will My Case Take To Settle?
• How to Find Traffic Accident Reports in Oregon
• What Are the Odds of Dying in a Car Crash?

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Portland, OR at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland car accident lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve all throughout Multnomah County in Oregon. Visit our office at:

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7