Auto accidents occur every day in Portland. If you find yourself in a collision, follow the following steps:
1. Evaluate yourself to determine if you have any injuries
2. Check for the well-being of your passengers
3. Proceed to a safe location
4. Contact the emergency services
5. Wait for assistance
6. Share information with the other involved parties
7. Note every detail of the accident
8. Inform your insurance provider
Check Yourself for Injuries
Even if you don’t feel pain immediately after the accident, you should still evaluate your own physical condition.
Some common symptoms of auto accident injuries can include headaches, neck and shoulder pain, low back pain, abdominal pain, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, dizziness, confusion, or memory loss.
Ensure the Welfare of Your Passengers
Always attend to your passengers after an auto accident. Immediately check on the health and safety of your passengers. If a neck or back injury seems possible, do not move your passenger unless they are in a dangerous situation. Administer basic first aid until emergency medical services arrive.
Get to Safety
If your vehicle is still operable, move it off the road and onto the shoulder if possible. If you are unable to move your car, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside your car until help arrives.
Once you have pulled over to the side of the road, Make sure to get yourself and any passengers to a safe place away from traffic.
Call 911
Contact emergency services if you have been involved in an auto accident in Portland. Call 911 as soon as it is safe, even if the accident seems minor.
Be sure to provide the operator with your current location and a description of any injuries or damages that have occurred. The operator may ask for additional information, such as the make and model of the vehicles. [1]
Wait for Help
After contacting the police, wait for help to arrive. If you are injured or feel unsafe, call 911 for medical assistance. Stay in your car and put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are stopped. Do not accept any money from the other driver.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with any other parties involved in the accident, it is also necessary to obtain a description of the affected vehicles. This includes:
- Addresses
- License plate numbers
- Make and model of the vehicles
- Names
- Phone numbers
- Vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
Avoid discussing fault after your accident with the other driver. During the insurance claim process, the adjuster will evaluate the damage to vehicles or property, collect information from everyone involved, and take into account supporting documents like the police report or scene photographs to determine fault. [2]
Document the Accident
Document the accident by taking pictures of the vehicles involved, as well as any property damage caused by the accident.
Take photos from different angles and note down any details of the scene that may be relevant to your case. Speak with witnesses of the accident and obtain their contact information in case they may be needed for legal proceedings down the line.
Notify Your Insurer and Start the Claims Process
Contact your insurance provider while at the scene so that they can provide you with the necessary information on how to process your claim and what to anticipate during the claims process. If your vehicle is damaged, your insurer can arrange for it to be towed to a certified body shop.
Contact Our Experienced Portland Auto Accident Attorneys
At Goldberg & Loren, our attorneys specialize in helping victims of auto accidents in Portland and can provide the professional support you need to ensure that your rights are protected.
Our team of experienced attorneys will work with you throughout the entire process, ensuring that all of your legal rights are respected and that you receive maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
Sources:
[1] What to Do After a Car Accident. (n.d.). www.progressive.com. https://www.progressive.com/answers/what-to-do-after-car-accident/
[2] What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide | Allstate. (n.d.). Allstate. https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/in-case-of-a-car-accident
