Being in a car accident is scary. Even when the crash wasn’t your fault, the moments afterward can feel overwhelming. But the steps you take in the hours and days following a crash can make or break your ability to get fair compensation for your injuries, your damaged vehicle, and the pain you’re going through.
OlsenDaines has helped people in Oregon and Washington navigate the confusing aftermath of collisions, even ones they didn’t cause. We’ve seen how insurance companies operate. We know the tactics they use to minimize payouts or shift blame onto innocent victims. And we understand exactly what it takes to protect your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve.
10 Steps to Take
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Check for Injuries and Call for Help
The very first thing you should do after any car accident is check yourself and everyone else involved for injuries. Look at yourself first. Are you in pain? Can you move? Then check on your passengers and anyone in the other vehicle involved.
If anyone is hurt (even if the injuries seem minor), call 911 right away. Emergency responders can provide medical care on the scene and transport anyone who needs it to the hospital. They’ll also dispatch police officers to document the accident.
Once you’ve checked for injuries, move yourself and your vehicle to safety if you can. If your car is drivable and it’s blocking traffic (or creating a hazard), pull it to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot. If your car can’t be moved, turn on your hazard lights and get yourself away from traffic.
Why This Step Is So Important
Your health and safety come before everything else. Some injuries (like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries), aren’t always obvious right away.
Calling 911 also creates an official record that an accident occurred. This record becomes crucial evidence later when you’re dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a claim. Without a police report, it becomes your word against the other driver’s.
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Wait for Police and Get an Official Report
Even if the accident seems minor, always wait for the police to arrive and file an official accident report. In both Oregon and Washington, you’re required to report accidents that involve injuries, deaths, or significant property damage. But even if your accident doesn’t meet those thresholds, having a police report is incredibly valuable.
When the officers arrive, give them your account of what happened. Stick to the facts. Tell them what you saw and experienced, but don’t speculate or guess about things you’re not aware of.
Why This Step Is So Important
A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any car accident case. It provides an objective, third-party account of what happened. In fact, insurance companies rely heavily on police reports when evaluating claims.
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Exchange Information With the Other Driver
While you’re waiting for police or after they arrive, exchange information with the other driver. You’ll need their full name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information.
Why This Step Is So Important
Without the other driver’s insurance details, you won’t be able to file a claim against their policy. And if witnesses saw what happened, their statements can help prove that the accident was not your fault.
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Document Everything at the Scene
Take photos and videos of everything: the damage to all vehicles involved, the position of the cars, skid marks on the road, traffic signs and signals, weather conditions, and any visible injuries you or your passengers have.
Also write down or record voice notes about what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. Include details like the time of day, what direction everyone was traveling, and anything the other driver said after the crash.
Why This Step Is So Important
Evidence disappears fast after an accident. Skid marks fade. Vehicles get towed and repaired. Memories become fuzzy. The photos and notes you take at the scene preserve critical evidence that can prove the other driver was at fault. And insurance companies will look for any reasons to deny or reduce your claim.
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Never Admit Fault (Not Even to Be Polite)
This is one of the most important things to remember. Don’t apologize for the accident. Don’t say “I’m sorry,” or “I didn’t see you, “ or “Maybe I should have been paying more attention.” Don’t speculate about what you could have done differently.
Why This Step Is So Important
Saying “I’m sorry,” might seem like the right thing to do in the moment, but it can be twisted into an admission that you were responsible for the crash. Anything you say at the scene can be used against you later. Insurance adjusters are trained to look for admissions of fault, even casual or polite ones.
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Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Contact your own insurance company to report the accident. Most policies require you to report accidents promptly, even ones that weren’t your fault. Give them the basic facts: when and where the accident happened, who was involved, and what damage occurred.
Why This Step Is So Important
Failing to report the accident could violate the terms of your policy and give your insurance company a reason to deny coverage later. Even if the other driver was at fault, your own insurance may come into play.
Timeline
Check your policy for specific reporting requirements, but we recommend within 24 to 48 hours.
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Seek Medical Attention Afterward, Even if You Feel Fine
Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident (at an emergency room, urgent care clinic, or family doctor), even if you don’t think you were hurt. Describe the accident and any symptoms you’re experiencing, no matter how minor they seem.
Why This Step Is So Important
Getting checked out immediately protects your health by catching injuries early when they’re easier to treat. It also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Without this documentation, insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries were pre-existing or happened later.
Timeline
See a doctor within 24 to 72 hours of the accident. For emergency symptoms, like severe pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, go immediately.
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Call a Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, talk to an experienced car accident attorney.
You might assume that getting a lawyer after a car accident is only necessary for serious crashes or complicated situations. But the truth is even “straightforward” accidents can turn complicated fast.
Why This Step Is So Important
A car accident attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate what your claim is worth, gather and preserve evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, negotiate a fair settlement, and take your case to court if necessary.
Timeline
It’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner you get legal advice, the better protected you’ll be.
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Be Careful When Dealing With the Other Driver’s Insurance
An at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely contact you soon after the accident. They may seem friendly and helpful, but remember: their goal is to protect their company’s bottom line, not to make sure you get fair compensation.
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. You don’t have to accept their first settlement offer. And you definitely shouldn’t sign any documents or releases without understanding exactly what they mean.
Why This Step Is So Important
Insurance adjusters are skilled at getting people to say things that hurt their claims. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically give up your right to seek any additional compensation (even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought).
Timeline
The other driver’s insurance may reach out within days of the accident. Don’t feel rushed to respond. Take your time and speak with an attorney first.
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Keep Detailed Records of Everything
From the moment the accident happens, start keeping records of everything related to the crash. This includes medical records and bills, repair estimates and invoices, correspondence with insurance companies, receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, and notes about how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
Why This Step Is So Important
Thorough documentation is the backbone of a successful car accident claim. If you don’t keep good records, it makes it easier for insurance companies to lowball settlements or dispute the damages you’re claiming.
Schedule a Free Appointment!
Our appointments are free until you file and your concerns are addressed!Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Not-At-Fault Crash
- Admitting fault at the scene, even casually or to be polite. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Skipping or delaying medical care. This can hurt both your health and your claim.
- Posting on social media about the accident, your injuries, or your claim. Insurance companies monitor social media and look for anything they can use against you.
- Talking to the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney first. They’re not on your side.
- Accepting a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages.
- Failing to document everything. Photos, records, and notes are crucial evidence.
- Missing deadlines. Both Oregon and Washington state have statutes of limitations that can bar your claim if you wait too long.
What If I Might Be Partially at Fault?
If you’re worried about being partially at fault, don’t panic and don’t admit to anything. Talk to an attorney before making any settlements or accepting any offers.
Both Oregon and Washington follow comparative fault rules. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. It will just be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical needs related to your injuries.
- Lost wages if your injuries forced you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn income.
- Property damage, including the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
OlsenDaines Is Here to Help
Being in a car accident is hard enough. Dealing with the aftermath (the injuries, paperwork, insurance battles) shouldn’t be something you have to face alone.
At OlsenDaines, our goal is to get you the best results as quickly as possible. We understand that the accident is just the beginning of your problems. When you work with us, you get an experienced advocate who knows Oregon and Washington laws.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s mistake. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
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