If you have been in a car accident in Oregon, the first few hours and days can make a big difference in both your physical recovery and your legal claim.

Even accidents that seem minor at first can become more complicated once injuries, insurance issues, and vehicle damage are fully understood.

1. Make safety the first priority

Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone may be hurt. If it is safe to do so, move to a secure location and wait for emergency responders if needed.

2. Get medical attention

One of the most important things you can do after an accident is seek medical evaluation. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, back injuries, and soft tissue damage may not show up right away.

Medical documentation also becomes important if you later need to pursue an injury claim.

3. Exchange information

Try to collect:

names
phone numbers
insurance information
driver’s license information
license plate numbers

If there are witnesses, get their contact information too.

4. Take photos and preserve evidence

Photograph:

vehicle damage
road conditions
skid marks
intersections or traffic signs
visible injuries

The more you document early, the better.

5. Be careful what you say

Do not apologize, guess about what happened, or make statements about fault. Even well-meaning comments can later be used out of context.

6. Be cautious with insurance companies

You may need to report the accident, but you should be thoughtful in your communications—especially if the other driver’s insurance company contacts you quickly.

When should you call a lawyer?

If you are injured, missing work, dealing with medical bills, or being pressured by insurance adjusters, it may be time to speak with an attorney.

At 100 Fires Law, we help people in Portland and throughout Oregon understand what to do after an accident and how to protect themselves moving forward.

If you were injured in a crash and have questions about what to do next, contact 100 Fires Law to schedule a consultation.