FAQ
What do I need to do after I have had an accident?
- If there are any visible injuries to anyone, call emergency services (911) immediately. Remember that if the accident is just a fender bender, emergency medical care might not be necessary.
- Call the local Police department if one or more of the vehicles are not drivable, if in doubt DO NOT MOVE THEM. When insurance companies are involved, withholding information while relaying the details of the accident, could delay or skew the facts of the accident, and ultimately come back to haunt you with the insurance company.
- If there are no injuries, smoke or fire, take a brief moment and gather your thoughts and stay with the vehicle. Auto collisions cause us to be over reactive and we are not always thinking clearly. After a deep breath or two it will be easier to think clearly and obtain all of the necessary information that is needed for the insurance companies to process your auto body repair claim
- Move your vehicle out of traffic if it is drivable.
- Exchange Information with other parties involved in the incident. Be sure to get the Insurance Company Name, Telephone number of the Claims Office and Name of Insured on policy. Get their Insurance Agent’s Name and Telephone Number. Get the Year, Make & Model of the other vehicle(s) involved and be sure to obtain the License plate number and the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle(s). And last but not least, take some snapshots with a cell phone or camera if possible.
- Call your insurance company and report the facts of the accident.
- Call us and we will then assist you with your auto body repair process and your insurance claim processing. If you cannot drive your vehicle, we will contact a towing company and have your vehicle towed to A & M Auto Body.
Do I need to report an Accident?
You must file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report (Form 735-32) with DMV within 72 hours when:
- Damage to the vehicle you were driving is over $1,500;
- Damage to any vehicle is over $1,500 and any vehicle is towed from the scene as a result of damages from this accident.
- Injury or death resulted from this accident
- Damages to any one person's property other than a vehicle involved in this accident is over $1,500.
Accidents in areas open to the public for the use of motor vehicles must be reported. Some drivers who are in accidents offer to fix the damage and try to get the other driver not to file a report. If you agree to do this, you are breaking the law if the amount of damage is more than $1,500. Always remember to keep a copy of your report for your own records.
You must file a report even if your vehicle was the only one in the crash. If you do not report an accident when required to do so, your driving privileges will be suspended. Accident forms may be obtained at any DMV office or online at www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV
Do I need three Estimates?
Under ORS 746.275 you don't need more than one estimate and you get to choose the shop of your choice. However you must inform the insurance company where the vehicle is, whether it is the repair shop or elsewhere, so they may have access to the vehicle to inspect the damage.