If you do not file a report when required, Oregon law requires DMV to issue a suspension notice.
You can tell the DMV about an accident if the damage was less than $2,500 and the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Be sure to clearly note on the accident report that it doesnt meet mandatory reporting criteria.
Note: Just because the Oregon Police filed a traffic accident report with the DMV doesn’t mean you don’t have to fill out and send in an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report. Regardless of a police officer’s reporting, you are required, as outlined in ORS 811. 720 and 811. 725, to complete and submit the Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report to DMV. The Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report form, which is provided by the DMV, must be used to fill out the report.
If you are the driver in an accident that meets any of the same conditions as the DMV Accident Reporting Requirements (see above), you must call the police right away.
Stop at the accident scene or as close as possible without blocking or endangering other traffic. Following a traffic accident, you must carry out duties of a driver. Below are links to Oregon law that outline legal duties.
Give aid to injured people. Remember, injured people should never be moved carelessly. Often, they shouldn’t be moved at all unless it’s an emergency or someone who knows how to give first aid. If someone is killed or unconscious, the driver must remain at the scene until a police officer arrives.
If you hit an unoccupied vehicle, try to find the owner. Please leave a note saying that you hit the car and how to reach you if you can’t find the owner. By law, ORS 811. 700(1)(B), you must write your name and address on the note, and a brief description of what happened. If you damage something other than a car, you need to find the owner or someone in charge of that thing and report the damage.
If you are not hurt in a car accident on the highway, you should move your car to the shoulder if it is safe to do so. This helps keep traffic moving. You will also avoid getting a ticket for failure to remove your vehicle.
Being in a car accident is stressful enough without having to figure out Oregon’s rules for reporting crashes. As an Oregon driver, it’s important to understand when you need to complete the state’s Traffic Accident and Insurance Report form after an accident.
This report provides key details to the DMV and your insurance company. Knowing the reporting requirements and timelines can prevent hassles like license suspension I’ll explain when you need to file the report, how to submit it properly, and what info it includes
Oregon’s Accident Reporting Thresholds
Oregon law requires filing the Traffic Accident and Insurance Report within 72 hours if
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Damage to any vehicle exceeds $2,500. Even if it’s damage to your car only, you must still report.
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Any vehicle has over $2,500 damage and is towed from the accident scene.
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Any injuries or fatalities occur, regardless of damage amount.
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Property damage other than vehicles exceeds $2,500. For example, if you damage a building, fence, utility pole, etc.
These thresholds apply even if you’re the only driver involved. The key factor is the damage amount, not fault or number of vehicles.
When a Police Report Doesn’t Exempt Your Filing
It’s important to note that a police report does NOT exempt you from submitting the state Traffic Accident and Insurance Report yourself. Even if officers file their own crash report, you are still required to complete the DMV’s form within 72 hours.
Think of the police report and your DMV report as separate documents serving different purposes. Don’t assume the officers’ report gets you off the hook for filing!
How to Get the State Accident Report Form
You’ll need to get the official state form – the Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report. Here are some options:
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Download the PDF form to print or fill out electronically.
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Call the DMV and request they mail, fax, or email you the form.
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Pick up a copy at your local DMV office or police department.
I recommend downloading the PDF if possible so you can easily save it and submit electronically. But any of these access points work to get the form.
Completing the Oregon Accident Report
The report asks for:
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Your name, birth date, driver’s license number and address.
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Vehicle information like VIN, plate number, make and model.
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Your insurance company name and policy number.
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Details about the accident location, damage, injuries, witnesses, etc.
Fill this out to the best of your knowledge. Leaving required fields blank can delay processing and lead to license suspension.
How to Submit the Completed Report
Once your report is filled out, you must get it to the DMV within 72 hours. Here are your options:
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Email: You can scan or take photos of the completed form and email it to [email protected]. This electronic method is fastest.
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Fax: Send your report to the DMV Crash Reporting Unit fax at 503-945-5267.
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Mail: Mail the completed report to DMV Crash Reporting Unit, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314.
Just choose one method – don’t send duplicates or you’ll confuse things! I suggest emailing if possible for quick processing.
What Happens if You Miss the Reporting Deadline?
Failing to file the report within 72 hours when required can result in DMV suspending your license. So take the deadline seriously.
If you do forget or don’t realize the thresholds required a report, submit it as soon as possible when you discover your error. Though late, prompt submission shows good faith.
Why Accurate Reporting Matters
Completing the Traffic Accident and Insurance Report thoroughly and on time serves some important purposes:
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It provides critical information to the DMV to maintain records.
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It alerts your insurance company to the accident so they can start your claim.
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It documents you fulfilled your duties under Oregon law.
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It helps avoid license suspension if the thresholds require reporting.
Accurate, timely reporting shares key details with the right parties to protect yourself after an accident.
Don’t Let Reporting Requirements Add Stress
As you can see, Oregon’s auto accident reporting rules require attention to detail and quick action. But don’t let fear of getting it wrong add extra stress. Just focus on gathering the right information and submitting the form promptly.
Insight into the Oregon Accident Reporting System
FAQ
When must you file an Oregon traffic accident insurance report?
How do I obtain an accident report in Oregon?
What happens if you don t report an accident to the DMV in Oregon?
What do you do after a car accident in Oregon?
How do I get an accident and Insurance report in Oregon?
The report must be completed using the form designated by DMV which is the Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report. DMV Accident Reporting Procedures How do I obtain an Accident and Insurance Report Form? Options:
Do I have to file a traffic accident report in Oregon?
In most states, that would be the end of it, but not in Oregon. Even if the police showed up and created a traffic report, you are still required to file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report if there was an injury, a fatality, a vehicle towed, or at least $2,500 in property damage.
How do I submit a traffic accident and Insurance report to DMV?
Regardless of a police officer’s reporting, you are required, as outlined in ORS 811.720 and 811.725, to complete and submit the Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Reportto DMV. The report must be completed using the form designated by DMV which is the Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report.
How do I file a car accident claim in Oregon?
Let your insurance company know that you’ve been in an accident. They’ll open a claim file, which can help speed things up. To further understand what to expect with the insurance process and how long it’ll take, consult FindLaw’s Oregon Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline article.