Have You Recently Been in a Car Accident in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Are Unsure of Your Next Steps?
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. However, it is best to remain calm and take immediate action to ensure your safety and the well-being of others involved.
Knowing what to do after an accident will help ensure your safety, gather necessary information, and enable a smoother post-accident recovery process.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Understanding the essential steps you should follow immediately after a car accident helps you navigate through the aftermath of the incident with clarity and efficiency. From assessing your injuries to contacting the authorities and gathering relevant information, these steps are vital in protecting your rights and ensuring a smooth claims process with insurance agencies.
Hillsboro witnessed four fatal accidents resulting in four fatalities in 2021 and 2020. This marked a decrease from the 11 fatalities recorded in 2019. [1]
Check for Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of common injuries, some of which may not be readily apparent as severe injuries. For instance, whiplash is a common type of injury due to the sudden jerking motion of the head during a collision. Although symptoms may not appear immediately, spine or neck injuries can be severe, requiring medical intervention and rehabilitation.
Other potential injuries include broken bones, internal injuries, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or soft tissue damage. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or head trauma, can be life-threatening if left untreated. Immediate medical attention is necessary to ensure a prompt and effective response to prevent further harm and promote a successful recovery.
In Hillsboro, 61% of crashes occur at intersections, with the highest rate of crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries happening among individuals aged 25 to 44. [2]
Contact Law Enforcement
Once everyone is secure, you should promptly contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. In most auto accident cases, it would involve reporting DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and dialing the emergency services number, such as 911, to report the accident.
When notifying law enforcement, provide accurate and comprehensive information about the incident. It includes details such as the location, date, and time of the accident, as well as a description of the parties involved and any injuries sustained. Be prepared to provide your contact information and driver’s license details, as law enforcement may require these for their records.
Move Vehicles to a Safe Location
In the unfortunate event of a highway crash, take the necessary steps to ensure all involved parties’ safety and keep the traffic flowing smoothly. Failure to remove the vehicles involved in the crash can lead to penalties and further disrupt traffic, creating potential hazards for other drivers.
Before deciding to move the vehicles, take a moment to gather yourself, assess the situation, and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are attempting to move to a safe location. Ensure no immediate dangers, such as oncoming traffic or further collision risks.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
After a car crash, exchanging information with the other driver is vital. It helps in processing insurance claims and ensures a smooth resolution. These are the necessary details to exchange:
- Names
- Contact numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance information
Keep Records of All Medical Treatments Received
Keeping accurate records of all medical treatment received matters for several reasons. By maintaining detailed records, you can provide strong evidence of the medical care you have received, ensuring that your insurance providers or other responsible parties adequately reimburse you. Without proper documentation, it can be challenging to prove the costs incurred.
Take Photos of the Vehicles and Other Property Damages
To properly document a car accident, photograph the vehicles involved and any damages incurred.
- Capture the overall view
- Close-up shots of damages
- Capture damages from multiple angles
- Photograph license plates and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN)
- Take clear images from all angles
Contact Your Insurance Company
When you are involved in an accident in Hillsboro, Oregon, contact your insurance company promptly. Reporting the incident to your insurance company is a significant step in ensuring a fair claim evaluation. The insurance company needs to be notified to initiate the claims process and assess the damage to your vehicle.
Contacting your insurance company allows them to gather all the necessary information regarding the accident. They need to know the details of the incident, the parties involved, and any witnesses present. By providing this information, you are assisting your insurance company to fairly evaluate your claim.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
A personal injury lawyer can provide guidance and legal representation, ensuring your rights are protected. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, pursue a fair settlement, or represent you in court if necessary. By seeking the expertise of a car accident lawyer, you can increase your legal options and chances of receiving the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
File a Claim After a Car Accident
Filing a personal injury claim after a car accident allows you to seek financial compensation for your injuries and damages for hospital bills, loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of quality of life, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and more.
To initiate the process, you must gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene. In addition, filing a claim within the specified Statute of Limitations (two years from the date of the incident in Hillsboro, Oregon) is required to protect your rights and maximize the chances of a successful outcome. [3]
Personal Injury Protection coverage (PIP) guarantees coverage for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. By notifying the insurance company of gathering and preserving evidence, you can successfully file an accident claim and receive the fair compensation you are owed.
Contact Goldberg & Loren’s experienced personal injury attorneys in Hillsboro today for expert guidance on navigating the aftermath of a car accident.
FAQs
Yes, it is significant to contact the DMV to report the accident, especially if there are injuries, damages exceeding $2,500, or if any of the drivers involved do not have insurance. [4]
Yes, You must notify your insurance company as soon as possible after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy, it can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. It is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver does not have insurance. [5]
Sources:
[1] Fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents in Hillsboro, Oregon. (n.d.). https://www.city-data.com/accidents/acc-Hillsboro-Oregon.html
[2] Traffic Safety: Help us Reduce Harm. (n.d.). Hillsboro-Oregon. Retrieved May 6, 2024, from https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15309/1718
[3] ORS 12.110 – Actions for certain injuries to person not arising on contract. (n.d.). https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_12.110
[4] Oregon Department of Transportation : Accident Reporting and Responsibilities : Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services : State of Oregon. (n.d.). Accident Reporting and Responsibilities : Oregon Department of Transportation. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/accidentreport.aspx
[5] ORS 742.502 – Uninsured motorist coverage. (n.d.). https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.502
