Were you involved in a crash at an intersection? You’re not alone. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), nearly 40% of all motor vehicle collisions in the United States happen at intersections. A proactive approach is the key to protecting your rights and your interests. Here, our Portland car accident attorney provides an overview of the steps that you should take after a crash at an intersection in Oregon.
Know the Steps to Take After an Intersection Car Crash in Portland, Oregon
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle and Exchange Information
Involved in a crash at an intersection in Portland? Under Oregon law, you are required to stop immediately after a car accident. If possible, you should move your vehicle to a safe location near the intersection. You should not leave the scene early unless there is a medical emergency. Make sure you exchange your name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details with the other driver(s).
Step #2: Call Law Enforcement to Report the Crash
Even for a seemingly minor intersection accident, you should contact law enforcement right away. With injury crashes, it is especially important to call the police. Be sure to contact the Portland Police Department or another local or state law enforcement agency as soon as possible.
Step #3: Seek Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries
Medical needs are always a top priority. You should seek treatment from a medical doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries (whiplash, low back pain, concussions, etc.) may not show symptoms right away. If emergency medical services are dispatched, allow paramedics to examine you at the scene. Prompt medical attention creates a record linking your injuries to the intersection crash.
Step #4: Document the Scene of the Collision at the Intersection
Oregon is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. With that in mind, motor vehicle crashes at intersections should be carefully documented. You should take pictures, get witness contact names, and write down a description of what happened to cause the crash. The more information you have, the better positioned you will be to fight for justice.
Step #5: Notify Your Insurance Company (But Decline to Provide a Statement)
You must report the accident to your insurance provider promptly to comply with your policy. However, at this time, you only need the basic facts, such as time, location, vehicles involved, and any injuries. You should decline to give a recorded statement to any insurance carrier until you have had a chance to speak to your Portland auto accident attorney.
Contact Our Portland, OR, Intersection Accident Attorneys Today
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland auto accident attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle intersection crash claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash at an intersection, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Portland, we handle intersection collisions throughout the region in Oregon.
