Oregon · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in Oregon: police, state report and crash report copies

When to call the police or file your own report, and how to get the crash report.

Short answer

Notify police right away (use a non-emergency number unless it's an emergency) if anyone is hurt or killed, any vehicle has more than $2,500 damage, other property has more than $2,500 damage, or a vehicle must be towed from the scene. In the same crashes, each driver must also send an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report to DMV within 72 hours, even if police made a report.

Damage that requires a report
$2,500
Your own report is due within
3 days
Law
ORS 811.720, 811.725, 811.745, 811.748

When to call the police in Oregon

Always stop and help anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state.

When to call the police
Notify police right away (use a non-emergency number unless it's an emergency) if anyone is hurt or killed, any vehicle has more than $2,500 damage, other property has more than $2,500 damage, or a vehicle must be towed from the scene. For a serious injury or death, calling 911 meets the duty.
Damage amount
$2,500
Law
ORS 811.720, 811.725, 811.745, 811.748
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in Oregon

Your own report
In the same crashes, each driver must also send an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report to DMV within 72 hours, even if police made a report. File online at DMV2U or on paper (mail to DMV Crash Reporting Unit, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314, or fax 503-945-5267). If you don't, DMV must issue a suspension notice. Send only one report per crash.
Deadline for your report
3 days

How to get a copy of the crash report in Oregon

  • DMV cannot give you a copy of the report you filed (ORS 802.220(5)), so save a copy when you submit it.
  • For the police report, ask the agency that responded (city police, sheriff or Oregon State Police).

Our data shows no confirmed online way to order crash reports in Oregon, so you can ask the agency by mail with our free request letter.

More facts for Oregon

  • Each DMV crash report you send shows as a separate crash on your record, so send only one (Oregon DMV).

Step by step after a crash in Oregon

  1. Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
  2. Call the police when Oregon law requires it. Notify police right away (use a non-emergency number unless it's an emergency) if anyone is hurt or killed, any vehicle has more than $2,500 damage, other property has more than $2,500 damage, or a vehicle must be towed from the scene.
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. In the same crashes, each driver must also send an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report to DMV within 72 hours, even if police made a report.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. DMV cannot give you a copy of the report you filed (ORS 802.220(5)), so save a copy when you submit it.
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in Oregon

Questions about reporting a crash in Oregon

When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Oregon?

Notify police right away (use a non-emergency number unless it's an emergency) if anyone is hurt or killed, any vehicle has more than $2,500 damage, other property has more than $2,500 damage, or a vehicle must be towed from the scene. For a serious injury or death, calling 911 meets the duty.

How much damage has to be reported in Oregon?

Notify police right away (use a non-emergency number unless it's an emergency) if anyone is hurt or killed, any vehicle has more than $2,500 damage, other property has more than $2,500 damage, or a vehicle must be towed from the scene.

Do I have to file my own accident report in Oregon?

In the same crashes, each driver must also send an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report to DMV within 72 hours, even if police made a report. File online at DMV2U or on paper (mail to DMV Crash Reporting Unit, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314, or fax 503-945-5267). If you don't, DMV must issue a suspension notice. Send only one report per crash.

How do I get a copy of a crash report in Oregon?

DMV cannot give you a copy of the report you filed (ORS 802.220(5)), so save a copy when you submit it. For the police report, ask the agency that responded (city police, sheriff or Oregon State Police).

More for Oregon drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.