{"id":375849,"date":"2017-10-18T11:10:51","date_gmt":"2017-10-18T16:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/oregon-law\/oregon-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-05-29T01:20:33","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T06:20:33","slug":"oregon-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/oregon-law\/oregon-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Oregon Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Oregon Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

It’s a safe bet that nobody has "get into an auto accident" on their to-do list, but sometimes, it’s unavoidable. Amid the broken and twisted metal, plastic, and glass, it can be difficult to know what to do next<\/a>. As Oregon has specific laws pertaining to accidents, it’s a good idea to know them ahead of time.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding your legal obligations and what your insurance company will expect from you<\/a> can help smooth your path to recovery. In this article, we’ll discuss how Oregon’s laws deal with auto accidents and insurance claims. You’ll learn what to do after a motor vehicle crash<\/a> and how to file an insurance claim<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Our attention will be on accident reports<\/a>, an extremely important document that will determine who gets what and from whom. Two different accident report forms come into play in Oregon, so being informed is crucial.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to learn about Oregon motor vehicle crashes and accident reports.<\/p>\r\n

Oregon Driving Requirements<\/h2>\r\n

Oregon’s driving laws are similar to those of most other states. To be a legal motorist, you must have a valid driver’s license and register your vehicle with the state. Some other aspects are specific to Oregon.<\/p>\r\n

Fault and Negligence Laws in Oregon<\/h3>\r\n

After an auto accident, a common question is who was responsible and who will pay for damages. Oregon is an at-fault state<\/a>, which means that someone will be determined to have been most to blame for the accident. That person will be responsible for paying for property damages. This is usually done through their insurance company.<\/p>\r\n

Oregon also requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If you’re injured in an auto accident, you’ll be covered by your PIP, but you have the option of trying to gain recovery<\/a> from the at-fault driver as well.<\/p>\r\n

Oregon employs the doctrine of modified comparative negligence<\/a>. This affects all drivers in a motor vehicle crash. Anyone deemed more than 50% responsible for the accident is barred from receiving damages. Those who were less than 50% at fault will have their award reduced by the percentage they were at fault.<\/p>\r\n

For a deeper dive into Oregon’s auto laws and what you can recover, look at FindLaw’s Oregon Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/a> article.<\/p>\r\n

Required Auto Liability Insurance in Oregon<\/h3>\r\n

If you’re behind the wheel in Oregon, you must have at least the mandatory minimum of auto liability insurance coverage<\/a>. While the state recommends getting more coverage, these are the legal auto insurance minimums required:<\/p>\r\n