What Kind of Records Should I Keep After an Oregon Car Accident?
Car accidents can be disorienting, even small fender benders. Thatâs why itâs important to take a moment after the emergency has passed to understand what information and documentation you will need to gather in case you have to file an insurance claim or pursue a legal case. As experienced personal injury attorneys, the team at Warren Allen LLP knows exactly what kind of records you should keep after an Oregon car accident to protect your rights and facilitate a smooth claims process. Weâve prepared the comprehensive guide below to help you be prepared.
Police Reports
Even for minor accidents, it can be a good idea to call the police to document the incident. Make note of the responding officerâs name, badge number, and contact information as well as the police report number. Request a copy of the report from the local law enforcement agency (usually the cityâs police department or a local sheriffâs department) once it has been filed.
Police reports are helpful because they officially record the details of the accident, including the location, time, and date, the names of all parties involved, citations issued (if applicable), and information about any eyewitnesses such as their names, contact details, and statements.
Insurance Information and Correspondence
Most likely, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company as well as the insurance company of the other party or parties involved to help pay for car repairs, property damage, or medical expenses. Make sure you have a copy of your insurance policy, including the policy number, contact details, and coverage details.
After the accident, collect this same information from the other driver, if you can. You might also be able to find this information in the police report. If you or the other party involved have already filed a claim, make note of the claim number.
Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report
In Oregon car accidents, you are required to submit an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report within 72 hours of the incident if:
- Anyone was injured or killed
- Your vehicle had damage over $2,500
- Any property was damaged over $2,500
- Any vehicle involved received over $2,500 worth of damage and any vehicle had to be towed from the scene due to damage
You may also file this report, even if your accident does not meet the above reporting requirements, if the other driver involved does not have insurance. Just be sure to note clearly on your report that the incident does not meet the reporting requirements.
Keep a copy of this report once filed.
Correspondence with Insurance Companies
Although it may seem tedious, itâs important to keep copies of all written or digital communication with insurance companies (both yours and the other driverâs) or any third-party adjusters who are working for those insurance companies. Keep all emails, letters, or forms that you send or receive related to the incident.
Also, if you speak with anyone on the phone, write down a phone logâtime and date of the call, the name of the person you spoke with, and a detailed summary of what you discussed. Note that it is usually a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer before talking with the other partyâs insurance adjuster or accepting a settlement offer.
Medical Records and Billing Information
If you suffered any injuries (including emotional or mental distress), be sure to request itemized medical bills for any hospital stays, doctorâs appointments, prescriptions, physical therapy, rehabilitation, necessary medical equipment (e.g., a wheelchair, neck brace, crutches, etc.), or other treatments. You should also ask your healthcare provider for copies of any medical records related to a diagnosis, treatment, or long-term care plan of injuries sustained from your car accident.
This medical information is essential, especially if you need to pursue legal action. Insurance adjusters or a judge might rely on these documents to verify the severity and extent of your injuries and to calculate your compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. Understanding your recovery timeline, including whether future therapy or treatment will be necessary, could affect your claim.
Car Repair Estimates and Damage Assessments
As soon as possible after the accident, take clear pictures of your vehicle or any property that suffered damage. Include close-ups of any immediately visible damage. Make a list of all damaged items or property (e.g., parts of the vehicle, car seat, trailer, fence, mailbox, etc.).
Get detailed repair estimates, in writing, from licensed repair shops (or, in the case of property damage, from qualified contractors). You might check with your insurance company to see if they have a list of approved or preferred auto repair shops or appraisers.
Written repair estimates and damage assessments itemize potential repair costs and can be used to calculate appropriate compensation from an insurance company or in court.
Visual Documentation
Immediately after your accident, or as soon as it is safe to do so, document the scene through photos and videos on your smartphone or a camera. Photos of the scene of the accident and the surrounding area will show road and weather conditions, traffic signs, and the location of the vehicles involved. Document any visible injuries, including broken bones, bruises, cuts, or swelling as soon as possible.
Income and Employment Records
In some cases, you might need to prove loss of wages due to injury. Copies of recent pay stubs from before and after the accident, as well as any communication with your employer regarding sick leave or time off, will be helpful documentation to have.
Stay Organized and Get Help
Navigating insurance claims and deciding whether or not you need to pursue legal action after a car accident can be difficult. Understanding the kinds of records you should keep after an accident and staying as organized as possible can make the process a little bit smoother. When it comes to Oregon car accidents, the personal injury team at Warren Allen LLP has years of experience working with clients to protect their rights and file claims in court if needed. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.