What to Do After a Car Accident in Oregon: A Step-by-Step Guide

The minutes and days after a car accident are stressful and confusing. Here’s a clear, practical checklist for Oregon drivers — what to do at the scene, what to do next, and how to protect both your health and your insurance claim.

At the scene

• Check for injuries and get to safety. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
• Exchange information — names, insurance, license plates, and contact details.
• Document everything: photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries.
• Get a police report when possible — it helps your claim.

Within the first 72 hours

This is the part most people miss. Adrenaline can hide injuries — especially whiplash, neck pain, and back strain — for one to three days. Get evaluated even if you feel okay. An early exam catches injuries before they worsen and creates the documentation your claim depends on. In Oregon, your PIP coverage typically pays for this care with no out-of-pocket cost.

Handling the insurance side

Notify your auto insurer promptly and open your PIP claim. You don’t need to settle anything quickly — and you shouldn’t, until you understand the full extent of your injuries. Keep records of every appointment, symptom, and expense. We bill PIP directly and keep your treatment records organized for adjusters and attorneys.

Getting the right care

Crash injuries are often soft-tissue and spinal — exactly what chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, and rehab address. At Auto Injury Chiropractic, we treat car-accident injuries every day across Oregon City, Milwaukie, and Troutdale, with same-day appointments and the paperwork handled for you. Book your visit or call your nearest clinic.

Related reading: Does Oregon PIP cover chiropractic care? and Whiplash recovery timeline: what to expect.

Frequently asked questions

How soon should I be seen?
Within a few days. Whiplash can be masked by adrenaline for 24–72 hours.

Do I need a referral?
No — come in directly with your auto insurance info.

What if I feel fine?
Get checked anyway; soft-tissue injuries often surface later.