What To Do After A Motor Vehicle Accident

At the Law Offices of Keri Trask Lazarus in Salem, we have more than 15 years of experience helping motor vehicle accident victims receive compensation for the costs and hardships brought on by their injuries. Over the years, we continue to receive questions about the correct actions to take after a motor vehicle accident. Here are our tips about what to do after a car accident:

Stop And Help

Always stop after an accident, even if you think the crash did not do any damage to your car. After a more serious accident, if you are able, help those who are more injured than yourself.

Notify Local Police And Emergency Responders

In the case of an accident with injuries or blocking traffic, call 911. For a minor accident, use the nonemergency number to call the police.

Trade Necessary Information

You will need to exchange some necessary information with the other party to the accident:

Name and address of all drivers and vehicle owners
Driver’s license number of the drivers involved
License plate numbers of the vehicles involved
Insurance companies and policy numbers for the vehicles/drivers involved

Gather Information About The Accident

Try to get the names and phone numbers of witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene with your phone. There is no requirement that you talk to the other party’s insurance company representatives; their duty is to protect their own driver.

File Reports

In the state of Oregon, it is mandatory to file a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 72 hours of your accident if one of these conditions applies:

Damage to any of the vehicles or property involved is $2,500 or more
The accident caused an injury or fatality
A car gets towed from the accident location

You will also need to report the accident to your local police department.

Contact A Lawyer

It is recommended to contact a lawyer to get advice regarding your rights after a car accident and to plan your next steps to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

Call Us Today

There is a time limit to file a personal injury claim, so call the Law Offices of Keri Trask Lazarus at 503-385-1894, or fill out this online form to schedule a free initial attorney consultation. Se habla español.

Client Testimonials

Keri was a pleasure to work with. She is educated on the entire process and settled my case exceeding my expectations. If you were in an accident call Keri she gets results.
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Client Testimonials

Keri represented me in a collision. I thought the insurance company’s offer was low considering the medical and damages. She was excellent in dealing with them and obtained a fair offer. I was very pleased with her and recommend her to everyone.
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Client Testimonials

Keri Trask Lazarus not only protected me and my family but gave us honest and straight talk feedback and direction. She was strong in representing us while really being compassionate and understood what our challenges where now and in the future. She is a champion in our community
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Client Testimonials

Keri is a fine example of a zealous advocate. she is a skilled tactician and uses her legal knowledge to achieve great results for her clients.
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Client Testimonials

Over the years I have known her I have found Keri Trask Lazarus to be a very capable and attentive attorney. She knows the law and follows through for her clients, even under the most difficult circumstances.
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