Knowing what to do after a crash helps you protect your health, document the scene, and meet Oregon’s reporting rules. This guide explains the steps to take in Bend, with links to official sources. Many riders delay medical care or forget the Oregon DMV report deadline, which can cause problems later.
Why People Struggle
- Hidden injuries like concussion can appear hours or days later, so people assume they are fine and skip care. See the CDC’s guidance on concussion symptoms and danger signs here and recovery information here.
- Drivers are unsure when Oregon requires a DMV crash report. Oregon DMV lists the $2,500 property damage threshold, injury or death, and towing triggers, with a 72 hour filing window on its site and on the official form Form 735-32.
- People do not know how to request a police report. The City of Bend provides a public records portal and reporting pages here and here.
- At crash scenes, bystanders are unsure how to help safely. Federal guidance explains post-crash care and safe incident management here and the role of 911 telecommunicators here.
In this article, you’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls and make informed choices.
Check Safety and Call for Help
First, get out of traffic if you can do so safely and turn on hazards. Call 911 to report injuries and request medical help. Federal post-crash guidance stresses quick access to emergency care and safe scene management to prevent secondary crashes. Read more from the U.S. Department of Transportation here and EMS.gov here.
Watch for head injury warning signs such as worsening headache, slurred speech, repeated vomiting, seizures, or trouble waking. The CDC lists danger signs and when to seek emergency care here. Symptoms can be delayed, which is why follow-up is important CDC guidance.
If you can, take photos of vehicle positions, skid marks, damage, and road conditions. Exchange names, contact details, insurance information, and plate numbers. This documentation helps with insurance and any later claims.
If you ride year round, learn how winter cycling risks increase with reduced visibility, slick roads and narrowed lanes.
Meet Oregon’s Reporting Rules
Oregon requires you to file an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report with DMV within 72 hours if there is any injury or death, damage over 2,500 dollars to any vehicle, damage over 2,500 dollars to other property, or if any vehicle is towed. The DMV explains the criteria and deadline on its page, and the same requirements appear on the official form Form 735-32.
If Bend Police respond, you may still have to file your own DMV report if the criteria are met. To request a copy of a police report for records or insurance, use the City of Bend’s portals police reports page or public records request portal. For state-level records, Oregon State Police provide request instructions here.
Oregon has a universal motorcycle helmet law. The Oregon Revised Statutes chapter for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles includes helmet provisions for operators and passengers ORS 814. If the at fault driver has no insurance, see how uninsured motorist coverage can help with medical bills and property damage.
A Common Mistake: Skipping Medical Evaluation
Many riders feel fine after a crash due to adrenaline and then skip care. Concussion symptoms can be subtle or delayed, such as headache, confusion, or memory problems. The Mayo Clinic outlines common concussion symptoms and timelines here, and the CDC explains that symptoms may not appear for hours or days here. Get checked by a clinician and follow return-to-activity instructions.
Keep all records, including discharge notes and imaging. These documents support insurance claims and help your care team track recovery.
What You Gain By Following These Steps
By securing the scene and calling 911, you reduce the risk of added harm and support timely care, which federal safety guidance identifies as key to better outcomes source. Filing the DMV report on time helps you avoid license issues and keeps your claim on track, as outlined by Oregon DMV here. Getting evaluated for concussion and other injuries aligns with medical guidance from the CDC and Mayo Clinic, which note that early assessment and monitoring support safe recovery CDC and Mayo Clinic.
For a broader look at car crash claims beyond motorcycle cases, our Oregon auto accident attorneys explain how we investigate, negotiate and try cases statewide.
FAQs
Do I need to file a DMV report after a minor crash in Oregon?
Yes if any injury occurred, if any vehicle or other property damage appears to be over 2,500 dollars, or if any vehicle was towed. The deadline is 72 hours. See Oregon DMV’s rules here and the official form Form 735-32.
How do I get a copy of my Bend Police crash report?
Use the City of Bend’s police reports page here or submit a public records request through the City portal here. Oregon State Police also provide records request guidance here.
What if concussion symptoms show up the next day?
Seek medical care. The CDC explains that concussion symptoms can appear hours or days after injury and provides danger signs that require emergency care here and recovery guidance here.
Are helmets required for motorcycle riders in Oregon?
Yes. Helmet provisions for operators and passengers are in the Oregon Revised Statutes chapter for motorcycles ORS 814.
Next Steps
If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in Bend, save your photos, names of witnesses, medical records, and the DMV report copy. For local help or questions about documentation, visit Hawn & Walsh. If you want guidance on your options and the claim process, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Bend explain how we investigate crashes and pursue compensation.
Call Hawn & Walsh if you need a motorcycle accident attorney
For help with what to do after a motorcycle accident lawyer in Bend, contact Hawn & Walsh at (541) 382-5885.
