Portland is currently being slammed by its third winter storm of the season. Snow, Freezing Rain ,and bitter cold temperature are turning Portland into a winter wonderland. However, the winter wonderland is a dangerous place to drive. Portland Hospitals reported an increase in admissions from crash related injuries during the last snow storm, and this event will likely produce similar results. Hopefully, less people will be injured because less people will be on the road. However, there will be crashes in this storm. People drive too fast, wait too long before braking, and follow too closely. The unfortunate reality is crashes will occur.

Here are some things you should know if you are one of the many people that are injured in a crash related to the snow storm.

At the Scene: Once the area is safe, USE YOUR CELL PHONE to gather evidence: Take pictures of the car damage, the scene, the bad driver, witnesses, and the bad driver' driver's license, the bad driver's license plate, and the bad driver's insurance card. Call 911 if there is an injury and relay what the injuries are. Have witnesses text or email you their contact information from their phones. This way you can locate them later if needed.
Seek Medical Care: Immediately seek treatment if you are injured. Your Oregon issued auto insurance should pay $15,000.00 for up to two years of crash related medical treatment. This does not mean you need to go to the Emergency Room, but you should schedule an appointment with a Doctor or Chiropractor to ensure you have not suffered serious injuries.
Contact Insurance and the DMV: Call your insurance company to set up a claim. Cooperate with them, but be cautious of their motives. If there was an injury or more than $1500.00 in property damage submit the proper Accident Report to the DMV ASAP. Here is a link to the form: DMV Accident Form.
If you were in a hit and run you must make a police report or notify the DMV within 24 hours and notify your insurer within 30 days. I advise reporting the matter to law enforcement as soon as possible. This is important as you may not be able to make a claim in the future if you were a victim of a hit and run.
Call A Lawyer at 503.224.1658: It won't cost you anything to chat, and you can learn about what you need to do next.

Please be safe out there. The roads are still treacherous and there is more snow and ice on the way. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. Please remember this blog and web-site may be considered attorney advertisement.