Accidents can be stressful. Hit-and-run accidents can add stress to an already difficult situation. It is not necessary to know all the details after a hit and run in Oregon. You may be able manage the situation relatively easily if you are familiar with the correct steps. And because of the state minimum insurance requirements, your own insurance might help you recover.
Oregon hit-and-runs
What is an Oregon hit-and run? A hit-and run is basically an accident in which the driver flees from the scene. Fortunately, in Oregon, hit-and-runs that lead to fatalities are relatively rare. But hit-and-runs do happen frequently enough that the Oregon Department of Transportation Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) has a dedicated section for training police officers on how to report these types of accidents.
If you find yourself facing a hit-and-run — whether you are the victim or you caused the accident and fled — knowing how Oregon hit-and-run laws work and what Oregon hit-and-run insurance applies to can go a long way.
Oregon hit-and-run laws
The Oregon DMV requires that all drivers involved in an accident do four things:
- Stop:Oregon’s hit-and run law requires that all drivers involved in an accident must stop at the scene. However, they must move their vehicles away from the traffic flow. Driving privileges could be suspended or revoked if you fail to comply with the law and are convicted for hit-and run.
- Help injured parties:You should always check on everyone around you at the scene of an accident. The law requires you to assist anyone injured and to call 911 for emergency medical attention. If someone is injured or becomes unconscious, all parties are legally obliged to remain on the scene until police arrive. Otherwise they could face a hit and run charge.
- Information exchange:The DMV offersa printable checklistKeep these details in your car so you and other drivers are aware.
- Notify the DMV about the accidentYou may be required to fill out an application depending on the circumstances.accident report formSend it to the DMV.
If you leave the scene of an accident, per the hit-and-run Oregon statute, you could be convicted of a hit-and-run.
What impact does hit-and-runs have on Oregon’s car insurance rates
Your car insurance policy could be affected if you are convicted in Oregon of hit-and-run. Your auto insurance company could increase your premium significantly, and it is possible that your coverage will be dropped. You would then need to find a new provider of car insurance.
If your insurance company decides they are still willing to take on the risk of offering you coverage, you will most likely need an SR-22 form. This form is filed by your car insurance provider with the DMV. This form certifies that you have at least the minimum state required insurance coverages. It must usually be kept on file for between three and five years.
Despite this, Oregon’s hit-and-run policy is much more affordable than in other states. In fact, the average Oregon driver pays roughly the same amount after fleeing the scene of an accident as average drivers in other states pay after a less serious standard collision.
Five things to do following a hit-and run in Oregon
What to do in Oregon if you are the victim of hit-and-run? It is almost identical to what you can do in other states. This is what you might want to do:
- Keep your eyes on the sceneAlthough you might feel tempted to follow the fleeing driver, most law enforcement agencies recommend against it for your safety. It is best to stay put and pay attention to the license plate number, as well as other distinctive features of the driver or car that fled the scene.
- Keep everyone safe:First, you should get yourself, and any other involved, out of traffic. The Oregon Department of Transportation recommends that you do not move someone who is seriously injured. If you are in this situation, it is best to call 911 immediately.
- Contact the policeEven if there is no immediate need for medical attention, it may be a good idea to contact the police. An officer can be dispatched to the accident scene. To catch the driver who hit-and-run, the responding officer will likely collect evidence (including your testimony and that of any witnesses).
- Note down everything you remember.Sometimes it may take some time for the officer to arrive at the scene. You can wait while you wait to take down any details that you remember. This includes the license plate number of the other driver, make and model of their car, and any other information that is important.
- Get started with your insurance claimYou can file a claim by calling or using the tools available on the company’s app or website. You can get on the road to recovery faster if you file your claim as soon as possible.
Is insurance available to cover hit-and-run accidents?
It could. After a hit-and run, there are many Oregon car insurance policies that may be available.
- Liability insurance:If they are able to be located, the liability coverage for hit-and-run Oregon is the first line of insurance. Oregon requires both bodily injuries liability insurance which covers you and your passengers for any injuries sustained. Property damage liability insurance pays for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other property up to the policy limits of at-fault drivers.
- Personal injury protection (PIP):Oregon requires all drivers to have PIP coverage. This covers injuries, lost wages, and other expenses, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage:Oregon also requires all drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can pay for your injuries as well as the injuries of your passenger if the other driver is not insured.
- Property damage by an uninsured motoristAlthough it is not required by Oregon law to provide this coverage, it is an option. When you are struck by an uninsured driver, your damages to property and vehicles will be covered by the Uninsured Motorist Property Damage policy.
- Collision:If you are aFull coverageYour collision coverage may also cover you for vehicle damage. While you may need to pay a higher deductible, some companies will waive the deductible for hit-and run situations. You should check with your agent to make sure collision coverage is included in all policies.
Questions frequently asked
What is the cost of car insurance?
It depends on many factors, including your driving record. An average Oregon driver who has a clean driving record will pay $1,346 per year for full coverage auto insurance. The average premium for full coverage rises to $2,012 annually after a single accident. However, Oregon insurance costs can rise after an accident. The average Oregon driver pays $2,463 per year for full coverage.
If I hit a parked vehicle in Oregon, is it considered a hit and run?
You could face a hit and run charge if your information is not left behind. Oregon law mandates that you need to stop and try to locate the owner or operator of the vehicle. You are required to leave a written note detailing your name, address, and details of the incident if you cannot locate them.