Summary
Oregon law requires drivers and others to report car or truck accidents that occur on public roads and other places open to the public (like shopping mall parking lots). The obligation to report depends on what happened and who is able to report. Here's how it works.
What car accidents require a report to Oregon Department of Transportation?
The driver must report if involved in the following categories of car or truck accidents:
• Accidents in which someone was injured,
• Accidents in which someone was killed,
• Accidents in which your own car had over $1,500 in damage,
• Accidents in which the other guy's car had to be towed and had over $1,500 in damage, or
• Accidents in which there was non-vehicle property damage of more than $1,500 (like running into a house or knocking down a telephone pole).
The $1,500 might be increased over time, but. as of February 2010, it is still $1,500.
The reporting law does not apply to snowmobile accidents or law enforcement officials that crash while trying to nab a criminal.
Time to report.
The driver must report within 72 hours on Oregon DMV form no. 32.
Duties of owners and non-driver occupants to report.
If the driver is physically unable to make a required report, then the occupant must.
If the driver is not the owner of the car and does not report the car accident, then Oregon law requires the owner to report.
What if both drivers agree to settle it quietly. Any need to report?
We know that insurance companies jack up rates when there is an accident. Consequently, people will offer to pay for the damage and agree not to report to insurance companies or the state. If you do that, you are violating the law. Failure to report is a Class B traffic violation.
Jeff Merrick, Oregon Trial Attorney
503-665-4234
The above is not legal advice. I cannot give you reliable advice without knowing more information. It is intended to raise some issues for you to discuss with your own lawyer.
