Navigating a Motor Vehicle Collision
Over the years we have seen a fair number of folks that have been in motor vehicle collisions. Some are in our clinic because they have just been in one; other’s are dealing with the pain that comes from not dealing with it soon enough. The one thing many of them share is not knowing how to navigate through the process. Hopefully the following information can serve as a bit of a map for that.
So you’ve been in a motor vehicle collision, what now? Well, the first thing you need to do is call the police. Even minor fender benders need a police report, so be sure to make the call. Next you’ll want to start writing things down.
Begin by getting the other driver’s information,
Driver’s license number
Insurance number
Vehicle information
plate number
vehicle make, model and color
Now you can start writing down information about the collision itself. Start big and work small, no detail is too big or too small.
State and city
Street and nearest intersection
Which way were you traveling?
Which way was the other vehicle traveling?
Were they in front of or behind you?
Was there anyone else involved?
Was there anyone else in the vehicle with you?
When the police arrive, have them copy down the information you have collected, don’t just hand it over, you will want it later.
Now that the quick part is done, it’s time for the long part. The following steps should ideally be done the day of the collision but if it takes a little longer just make sure you have everything done above and you’ll be fine.
Get into a doctor. If you are bleeding, dizzy, nauseous, suffering from blurry vision or confusion, you need to get to urgent care or the emergency department as soon as you can, as there may be injuries that you cannot see. If not, just make sure you get in to see your primary care within the week to establish care.
Call your motor vehicle insurance provider. They’ll want all of the information you collected. Make sure they activate a “PIP Claim” for you. This is coverage that any Oregon driver has that will make sure you can get the medical care you need while you recover from the collision. It covers you for two years, and you may need that and more. They will give you a claim number but you will also need a bit more information. Use this form when you are on the phone with them. If it is complete you should have what you need for any medical care you wind up needing.
Call an attorney. This is not about getting a pay-day, this is about making sure that you are able to complete the medical care that you may find you need. They will act as an intermediary between you and your motor vehicle insurance provider and ensure you are not jerked around and can concentrate on recovery. We have a firm we have seen help many of our clients and can provide the recommendation, if you don’t already have an attorney you like working with.
From this point on just concentrate on recovery and make sure you do not stop until you and your health care providers agree that everything that can be done has been done. Don’t be in a hurry either, this could very well take years to navigate. If you find yourself with any questions, your health care providers are there to answer them, don’t be afraid to ask. If you have any questions about what you have just read we’re also happy to help. Just use the contact page and one of our staff will reach out to you.