Why You Should Call The Police After a Fender Bender in Oregon
Every year, thousands of car accidents are reported in Oregon. In fact, the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services indicates that annually, there are around 25,000 fatal and non-fatal Oregon car accidents where only injuries are suffered. However, not every car accident produces serious and catastrophic outcomes. Each year, there are also around 20,000 crashes with only property damages.
Knowing what to do after an Oregon car accident is critical. There are steps to take and legal requirements to follow. This is true, even when a car accident is not severe and is only considered a fender bender. For instance, it is usually necessary to contact law enforcement after any type of accident. There can be serious repercussions for failure to alert the authorities. Not alerting the authorities and leaving an accident scene can result in hit-and-run charges. A hit-and-run is a criminal charge and, if convicted, can come with penalties such as fines, time in jail, and having points added to your license.
If you were in a car accident in Oregon, you may not know your rights or how the injury claims process works. A Portland car accident injury attorney at Rosenbaum Law Group can assist you and provide you with legal representation during the claims process.
Calling the Cops After an Oregon Fender Bender
Oregon car accident laws say that if you are in an accident where any of the following has happened, you are required to call the police and report the accident:
- The car accident causes injuries
- The car accident is deadly
- The car accident leads to property damages that cost $2,500 or more
- The car accident causes damage that makes it necessary to have a car towed
Therefore, to ensure you are following the laws and there is no question, it is a good idea that even if your accident is only a fender bender and you don’t initially think there was much damage done, you should still call the police. Plus, if you are going to file a car accident claim, then having a police report can be helpful to start the claims process. In some situations, a police report is necessary to have a claim processed, and without one, it can be incredibly difficult to obtain the compensation you need for your damaged property.
Additionally, it is usually recommended that even if you don’t think you are hurt after an accident, you still seek medical attention. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and in other cases, an injury may be present, and if it goes undiagnosed, it can become worse. When you are examined by a medical professional, if you are hurt, you can start the recovery process by following the doctor’s orders. Finally, in your claim, you can include the costs of medical treatment you received.
Speak to an Oregon Car Accident Attorney Today
A fender bender may not be a cataclysmic type of car accident but it can still produce costly damages and to remain compliant with the law, reporting it is essential.
To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Portland personal injury attorney at the Rosenbaum Law Group, please call (503) 288-8000 today.
