What should I do if I've been injured in a truck accident in Oregon?

In the Portland area, we frequently encounter large trucks, such as logging trucks, garbage trucks, and dump trucks, on our roads. If you’re involved in a collision with one of these trucks, the steps you take afterward can be critical for protecting your health, safety, and any potential legal claim you may have. The following list offers general suggestions, but remember, every situation is different, and always prioritize your safety. Additionally, every driver involved in a motor vehicle collision involving bodily injury must comply with the duties set forth in ORS 811.705: Failure to perform duties of driver to injured persons and ORS 811.745: When accident must be reported to police officer or law enforcement agency.

1) Stop Immediately

Immediately stop at the scene of the collision or as close to it as possible without obstructing traffic more than necessary. ORS 811.705.

2) Call 911

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, call emergency services (911) immediately. Accidents occurring on a highway or upon premises open to the public resulting in injury or death must be reported to the police. ORS 811.745.

3) Don't Move

You should not move yourself or anyone else who may be injured in a truck accident unless you are in immediate danger or it is necessary to prevent further harm (e.g., a fire or imminent danger of another collision). Let trained medical professionals assess the situation and handle the transportation of injured individuals. They have the expertise and equipment to move people safely and provide necessary medical care.

If you are taken to the hospital in an ambulance, the police should conduct an investigation and document the scene. After the police arrive at the scene, you should provide them with all the facts you can remember. The officer will make a police report, which can later be used as evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim.

4) Safety at the Scene

If it is safe to do so, move vehicles off the road to a safe place without blocking or endangering other traffic. Turn off your engine, turn on hazard lights, stay off the road, and ensure you are visible to other drivers. Have someone check for possible fuel leaks, and do not smoke at the scene.

5) Render Aid

Oregon law requires drivers to render reasonable assistance to any person injured in the collision. ORS 811.705. Depending on the circumstances, this could include actions like calling for an ambulance. Remember, never move injured people carelessly. In many cases, they should not be moved at all except by emergency personnel or someone trained in first aid. If someone is killed or unconscious, the driver must remain at the scene until a police officer arrives. Source: Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services, Collision Reporting and Responsibilities.

6) Document the Scene

If you are not taken by an ambulance to the hospital, and if you're physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including things like the damaged vehicles, skid marks, and the surrounding area.

7) Document Any Visible Injuries

If you can, take photos and video of any visible injuries such as cuts, bruises, etc.

8) Exchange Information

Exchange information with the other drivers or injured pedestrians, including:

• Names and addresses

• Names and addresses of the owners of the vehicles

• Names and addresses of any passengers

• Registration numbers of the vehicles

• Names of the insurance carriers

• Insurance policy numbers

• Phone numbers of the insurance carrier

Additionally, upon request and if available, exhibit and give to the persons injured and to the occupant of or person attending any vehicle damaged the number of any document issued as official evidence of driving privileges granted to the driver. ORS 811.705.

9) Be Careful What You Say

Be mindful that anything you say after an accident could be used against you later. As a kind-hearted person, it's natural to want to express concern or apologize, even when you've done nothing wrong—especially after a stressful experience like a car crash. However, insurance companies may try to twist even a simple “I’m sorry you’re hurt” into an admission of fault. Insurance companies may try to use such statements to shift blame onto you to reduce the compensation they pay you. To protect yourself, avoid apologizing or suggesting any level of responsibility, even if you are uncertain about what happened. Keep in mind that remarks made at the scene could be taken out of context and used to undermine your claim later. When speaking with the police, provide an honest account of what happened but stick to the facts without speculating about who is responsible.

Additionally, avoid making public statements until you've consulted with an attorney. This includes discussing the accident on social media. Insurance companies may try to use even the most casual remarks—such as posting, "I'll be okay"—to undermine your claim later.

10) Obtain Witness Information

If you can, get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

11) Seek Medical Treatment

If you're not taken by an ambulance to the hospital, you should still seek medical attention right away. The severity of some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away, especially with the adrenalin and stress. Prompt medical attention is critical not only to protect your health but also to document your injuries for any future legal claim.

12) Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

If you've been injured in a truck accident, contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible is vital. Starting an investigation quickly in truck accident cases is crucial, as evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories can fade. An experienced truck accident lawyer can also reach out to the insurance companies involved and help you obtain insurance benefits, such as payment of medical bills and lost wages.

13) Submit an Accident Report to DMV

Within 72 hours of a motor vehicle collision, you are required to submit an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report to DMV. If you've already retained an experienced truck accident lawyer, they can help you complete this process. Source: Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services, Collision Reporting and Responsibilities.

14) Notify Your Insurer

Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident, as per the terms of your policy. If you've already retained an experienced truck accident lawyer, they can do this for you.

Sources: American Auto Association (AAA): Oregon DMV.

Last updated: 02/20/25