Disclaimer: This article is educational only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Oregon attorney.

Detailed Answer — How to progress a personal injury claim in Oregon

Receiving the official crash report is an important milestone. In Oregon, the report is a helpful piece of evidence but it rarely ends the process. Below is a clear, practical sequence of steps to move your claim forward, plus the key Oregon legal rules you should know.

1. Prioritize medical care and document injuries

Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. Follow up with recommended treatment and keep copies of all medical records, bills, imaging, prescriptions, and notes from providers. These records form the backbone of your claim for damages (medical expenses, future treatment needs, and pain and suffering).

2. Preserve and organize evidence

• Keep the crash report safe (a digital copy and a paper copy).
• Save photos of the vehicles, scene, injuries, clothing, and road conditions.
• Collect contact information for witnesses and ask for short written or recorded statements (if feasible).
• Preserve any repair estimates, tow records, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Notify insurance companies

Report the crash to your own insurer promptly, as your policy likely requires prompt notice. The other drivers insurer will usually contact you. Give only the basic facts: your name, contact, and the crash date and location. Avoid detailed recorded statements about fault or exaggerated descriptions before you understand the full scope of injuries and liability.

4. Use the crash report strategically

The police crash report can help identify who was cited, officer observations, and statements collected at the scene. It can support your version of events but may not be complete or conclusive. Compare the report to your photographs, notes, and witness statements; highlight inconsistencies or helpful language when preparing a demand to the insurer.

5. Understand Oregon time limits and special rules

• Statute of limitations: Most personal injury claims must be filed within the time limits set by Oregon law. See Oregon Revised Statutes, chapter 12 for timing rules: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/Pages/ORS012.aspx. In practice, the general limitation period for personal injury is short (commonly two years from the date of injury), so do not delay filing a lawsuit if negotiations stall.
• Claims against public bodies: If a government vehicle or public road condition contributed to the crash, you may have to present a formal claim within a much shorter deadline and follow procedural rules under Oregon tort claims law. See chapter 30: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/Pages/ORS030.aspx. Verify deadlines early.
• Comparative fault: Oregon reduces recoverable damages by your percentage of fault. Review ORS chapter 31 for comparative fault rules: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/Pages/ORS031.aspx.

6. Prepare a demand package

After you have medical records, bills, and evidence of lost wages, prepare a demand package for the at-fault insurer. A typical demand includes:

• A concise statement of the facts and the crash report;
• Medical records and a summary of past and expected future treatment;
• Itemized bills and receipts; proof of lost income;
• Photographs and witness contact information;
• A specific monetary demand and a deadline for response.

7. Negotiate, mediate, or prepare to litigate

The insurer may respond with a settlement offer, a denial, or a request for more information. Many claims settle through negotiation or mediation. If settlement efforts fail, you may need to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. Litigating preserves your legal rights and can increase pressure to settle, but it also involves additional costs and time.

8. When to consult an attorney

Talk to a personal injury attorney if you have significant injuries, disputed liability, complex coverage questions (uninsured/underinsured motorist issues), or a claim against a government entity. An attorney can evaluate liability, calculate damages, handle negotiations, protect deadlines, and, if needed, file suit. If you choose to hire counsel, they can also advise whether accepting an early settlement is in your best interest.

Helpful Hints

• Get a certified copy of the crash report from the law enforcement agency that prepared it or from the Oregon State Police records page: https://www.oregon.gov/OSP.
• Keep a dated journal of symptoms, appointments, pain levels, and how injuries affect daily life; these details matter for damages like pain and suffering.
• Do not sign a full release or accept a final settlement until you are reasonably sure you have reached maximum medical improvement or have an attorney review the offer.
• Be cautious about recorded statements for the other drivers insurer. You can provide basic facts but consider consulting an attorney before detailed statements.
• Watch deadlines: if a public agency is involved, the deadline to present a claim can be much shorter than the standard lawsuit filing period.
• If you worry the at-fault driver lacks enough insurance, ask your insurer about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and whether it applies to your losses.
• Organize a single digital folder (or paper binder) for everything: crash report, photos, medical records, bills, pay stubs, correspondence, and notes.