A car accident is never expected, but it can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether it’s a small rear-end collision or a serious crash, what you do immediately afterward can impact your health, your finances, and any future legal claims. The minutes and hours following a crash are critical.
Looking for a personal injury lawyer in Portland? Before signing any documents or talking to insurance companies, it’s important to know how to protect your rights and build a solid legal foundation.
Prioritize Safety and Call for Help
The first thing you should always do is make sure you and others are safe. If your vehicle is drivable and you’re not seriously injured, move to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic or causing another accident. Turn on your hazard lights.
If anyone appears injured, call 911 right away. Emergency responders will assess injuries and secure the scene. If you’re hurt, don’t try to “tough it out.” Even injuries that seem minor could become more serious later on.
Remain calm. Avoid yelling, placing blame, or making emotional decisions. The clearer your mind is, the better you’ll be able to make smart, legally sound choices.
Notify the Police and Wait for Their Report
Even for seemingly minor accidents, it’s a good idea to call the police. Officers will arrive, assess the situation, and file a report. That report becomes a vital piece of documentation if you need to file a claim or pursue legal action.
Provide honest, factual answers. Don’t speculate, accept blame, or guess how the accident happened. If you’re unsure of something, it’s perfectly okay to say, “I’m not sure.”
If police don’t come to the scene, be sure to file a report yourself at the nearest precinct. It may feel unnecessary, but official documentation is always better than relying on word-of-mouth later.
Exchange Information Without Discussing Fault
After making sure everyone is okay and calling the authorities, exchange details with the other driver. This should include:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance provider and policy number
Be polite and respectful, but don’t apologize or admit fault. You may feel sorry the crash happened, but even a simple “I’m sorry” can be misunderstood as an admission of guilt. Let investigators and legal professionals determine who is responsible.
Take Photos of Everything You Can
Photos are one of the strongest forms of evidence after an accident. If it’s safe to do so, take clear pictures of:
- All vehicles involved
- Damage to cars and property
- Roadway conditions (wet pavement, potholes, debris)
- Traffic signs or signals near the scene
- Skid marks or broken glass
- Visible injuries on yourself or others
Try to get both close-up and wide-angle shots. Even if it seems like you’re taking too many, it’s better to have more than not enough when it’s time to build your case.
Get Medical Care Immediately
Always seek medical attention after a crash. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) may not appear for hours or days.
Go to a doctor or emergency room, even if you think you’re fine. This protects your health—and creates medical records that tie your injuries directly to the accident. Skipping this step can damage your legal claim, since insurers may argue your injuries were unrelated or exaggerated.
Follow all doctor’s orders and attend follow-up appointments. Save records, bills, prescriptions, and notes from your providers.
Inform Your Insurance Provider
Most policies require you to notify your insurer shortly after an accident. Give them the basic facts: time, date, location, who was involved, and any police report details.
Avoid giving recorded statements right away or admitting fault. Your insurer might be on your side, but they still want to minimize costs. Let them know you’ll be consulting an attorney before making any formal statements.
You’re not required to speak to the other party’s insurance company. If they call, politely decline and refer them to your lawyer.
Keep a Personal Record of Your Recovery
Start a simple recovery journal or log. Each day or week, record how you’re feeling, what symptoms you’re experiencing, and how your injuries are affecting your work, sleep, relationships, and daily life.
Include photos of your physical recovery and note things like missed workdays, medical appointments, and emotional challenges. This humanizes your injury and provides useful evidence when negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in court.
Track All Related Expenses
From hospital visits to gas money for doctor appointments, accidents create unexpected costs. Keep all receipts and invoices for:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy or rehab
- Car repairs or replacement
- Towing services
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Lost wages from missed work
- Transportation expenses
All of these expenses can factor into the compensation you may be entitled to. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case.
Understand Oregon’s Legal Time Limit
In Oregon, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you could lose the right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Certain exceptions may apply—like cases involving minors or government vehicles—but these are rare. It’s always safest to begin the legal process as soon as possible.
Be Cautious with Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies may contact you quickly after a crash with a settlement offer. These early offers are usually much lower than what your claim is worth. They hope you’ll accept before fully understanding the extent of your injuries or long-term needs.
Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to seek more money later—even if you require surgery or long-term care. This is why speaking to an attorney first is so important. They can review the offer, negotiate on your behalf, and help you avoid accepting too little.
Legal Help Makes a Real Difference
After an accident, you’re dealing with pain, paperwork, and stress. A legal advocate can step in to handle communication with insurers, gather evidence, and ensure your case is as strong as possible.
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless they win your case. This allows you to focus on healing, not legal bills.
If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, speak to an experienced car accident lawyer in Portland. A knowledgeable attorney can help you seek fair compensation and protect your rights throughout the process.