If you've been in an accident, you might need to report it to the Oregon DMV (if you live in Oregon). Read the DMV's guidelines about who needs to report their accidents and who doesn't.
If you’ve been in an accident in Oregon, the Oregon DMV regulations apply.
According to the DMV, you must report an accident if:
1) Damage to any vehicle involved, including yours, is over $1,500;
2) Any vehicle is towed from the scene as a result of the accident;
4) Anyone is injured or killed as a result of the accident; and
4) Damages to anyone’s property (other than a vehicle) is over $1,500.
Remember, if you are in an accident and any of the criteria above apply, you MUST report your accident. Sometimes people will offer to fix or pay for the damages without filing a report, but if you agree to this you are breaking the law (if the damages are over $1,500).
Tips and Important Reminders for Filing a Traffic Accident Report
Even if you are the only one involved in the accident, you must file a report.
You are required to file a report within 72 hours.
You should always keep a copy of the accident report for your records – the DMV won’t give you a copy.
Even if a police officer files a police report, you need to submit a DMV form (called an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report, and you can find it at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/driverid/accidentreport.shtml.)
When filling out the report, be as accurate as possible.
If the other person doesn’t have insurance, you should fill out a report even if there isn’t $1,500 worth of damages (but make sure to note this on the form).
The accident will be listed on each drivers driving record.
Your report must show the name of your car liability insurance company.
If you don’t have insurance at the time of the accident, your driving privileges can be suspended for a year.
All of the same criteria applies to reporting a Portland accident to law enforcement. If anyone has been injured at the scene, call 911. Otherwise, call a non-emergency number for the nearest law enforcement agency.
