What to do after a Car Crash

One in eight is pretty high!  According to the National Safety Council, 1 in 8 drivers will have a motor vehicle collision this year.  Are you prepared?  Would you know what to do and what to ask?

Here is a list of 8 easy steps to remember, as compiled by the National Safety Council, the Oregon DMV, and Drs. Vroom and Waggoner:

  • Stay calm and make the accident scene as safe as possible.   Be courteous even if you are angry or the other parties are belligerent.
  • Stop your vehicle if it is clear, safe and legal.   Take steps to prevent further accidents (park vehicle safely, set warning devices). Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved. 
  • Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the accident. Getting help for the injured is always the first priority.  If you think you’re injured, stay in your car and try to relax. Be honest if anyone asks how you are. Ask someone to call for help and let a professional assess your condition. 
  • Call the police regardless of the circumstances and if necessary emergency medical services (911).   When they arrive, cooperate, supplying your name address and license number.
  • Find witnesses. Get the name, address and phone number of any witness. If you can’t get names, at least get their license plate numbers.  Try to obtain a short summary of what they saw, and, if possible, take notes.
  • Collect Info.  Make a sketch of the scene, pace off distances, and note skid marks, broken glass, positions of the cars, and locations and extent of damage. Take photos of the scene and the cars if you have a camera (keep a disposable one  in your glove box). Try to clarify what happened while still fresh in your mind.
  • Exchange Information.  Ask to see other driver’s license and write down number.  Exchange insurance information. DO NOT discuss “fault” or make statements about the accident to anyone but the police. 
  • When to leave?  Unless your injuries are severe, do not leave the scene until you have: 1) assisted the injured, 2) protected the scene, 3) called an officer and assisted him, 4) identified the other driver, the name, address, and statement of any witness, and made notes.  Do not drive an unroadworthy vehicle!

What you should do after an accident and completing the above steps:

  • Call Advanced Care Chiropractic
    Serious injuries do not always show immediate symptoms. It would be wise to have your doctor examine you as soon as possible even if you are uncertain if you sustained an injury. If there is a chance that you may be injured, call us at (503) 669-9495 or after hours at (503) 358-0293.  Automobile Insurance (PIP) will pay for chiropractic examination and treatment. Remember, it is your right to receive treatment from whom ever you choose. Your attorney or insurance company can make suggestions, but the final decision is yours.
  • Call your insurance company or agent.  Tell them that you will be seeing your doctor to make sure you are OK.  Do not speculate about your condition, this may come back to haunt you later!
  • Report the accident to DMV: if there were damages over $1,500 to the vehicles or property, if anyone was injured, or if any vehicle is towed due to damages from the accident file an Accident and Insurance Report Form within 72 hours.  Keep a copy of your accident report. 
  • Get a copy of the police report of the accident from the local precinct.
  • Contact a PI attorney.  If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident, we highly recommend that you contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights.  We have had great experiences with the several lawyers in the Portland Metro area.  See our links for more information! 

Use THIS FORM to help gather the information.  Print it and keep it in your glove box!

Did you know? Massage, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy are often 100% covered by auto insurance when you are in a car accident.

And you DON’T need a referral from an MD!