Published by Dabler Auto Body | Your Trusted Salem Collision Repair Experts Since 1975
Being involved in a car accident is one of the most stressful experiences a driver can face. In those chaotic moments after a collision, it’s easy to forget important steps that could affect your insurance claim, your vehicle’s repair, and even your legal rights. As Salem’s trusted collision repair center for nearly 50 years, Dabler Auto Body has helped thousands of local drivers navigate the aftermath of accidents. We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help Salem residents know exactly what to do when the unexpected happens.
Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene
The moments immediately following a collision are critical. What you do in the first few minutes can significantly impact everything that follows, from insurance claims to potential legal proceedings. Here’s what Salem drivers need to do right away:
Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety
Your first priority is always safety. Check yourself for injuries, then check on your passengers and occupants of other vehicles involved. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to have emergency services respond—some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
If the vehicles are drivable and no one is seriously injured, Oregon law requires you to move them out of the travel lanes if possible. Turn on your hazard lights and, if you have them, set up warning triangles or flares. This is especially important on busy Salem roads like Lancaster Drive, Commercial Street, or along I-5.
Never Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in Oregon and can result in serious criminal charges. Stay at the location until you’ve exchanged information with other drivers and, if required, until police arrive. Even in minor fender-benders, leaving prematurely could be considered a hit-and-run offense.
Call the Police
While Salem police may not respond to every minor accident, having an official police report can be invaluable for insurance claims. In Oregon, you’re legally required to report accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,500. Given that even minor collision repairs often exceed this threshold, calling the Salem Police Department is almost always advisable.
Document Everything Thoroughly
Proper documentation at the accident scene can make or break your insurance claim. Take your time to gather as much information as possible:
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Collect the following from all drivers involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle license plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
Pro tip: Use your smartphone to photograph the other driver’s license and insurance card. This ensures accuracy and prevents disputes later.
Photograph the Scene
Your smartphone is your best documentation tool. Take photos of:
- All vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The overall accident scene showing vehicle positions
- Road conditions, traffic signs, and signals
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Weather conditions
- Any visible injuries
Get Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, politely ask for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses can provide crucial support for your version of events, especially if fault is disputed. Their unbiased account can be invaluable when dealing with insurance adjusters.
Oregon’s 72-Hour DMV Reporting Requirement
Many Salem drivers don’t realize that Oregon has specific legal requirements for reporting accidents. You must file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report with the DMV within 72 hours if:
Any injury or death occurred
Damage to any vehicle exceeds $2,500
Any vehicle was towed from the scene
Property damage other than vehicles exceeds $2,500
Important: A police report does NOT satisfy this requirement. You must file separately with the Oregon DMV. Failure to file can result in suspension of your driver’s license. You can submit the report online through the Oregon DMV website or visit their Salem office.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays could potentially affect your claim. When you call, be prepared to provide:
Date, time, and location of the accident
Description of what happened
Other driver’s information
Police report number (if available)
Photos and documentation you’ve collected
Understanding Oregon’s PIP Coverage
Oregon requires all auto insurance policies to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This no-fault coverage pays for your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. Your PIP coverage is designed to help you get medical treatment immediately without waiting for fault to be determined. Using your PIP benefits will not increase your insurance rates when you’re not at fault.
Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after an accident, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and whiplash, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the collision. Salem has several excellent medical facilities, including Salem Hospital, that can properly evaluate you.
Getting prompt medical attention serves two important purposes: it protects your health by catching hidden injuries early, and it creates documentation that supports your insurance claim. If you wait too long to seek treatment, insurance adjusters may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident or weren’t as serious as claimed.
Choosing the Right Collision Repair Shop in Salem
Once you’ve handled the immediate aftermath, you’ll need to decide where to have your vehicle repaired. This decision is entirely yours—despite what some insurance companies may suggest, Oregon law gives you the right to choose any repair shop you want.
What to Look for in a Collision Repair Shop
Not all body shops are created equal. When choosing where to repair your vehicle in Salem, consider:
- I-CAR Gold Class Certification: This is the highest training recognition in the collision repair industry. Only about 20% of shops achieve this standard.
- ASE Certified Technicians: These certifications demonstrate that technicians have proven their expertise through rigorous testing.
- Lifetime Warranty: A shop that stands behind its work with a comprehensive warranty demonstrates confidence in their craftsmanship.
- Modern Equipment: State-of-the-art frame straightening equipment and computerized measuring systems ensure accurate repairs.
- Customer Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references from previous customers.
Why Salem Drivers Choose Dabler Auto Body
For nearly 50 years, Dabler Auto Body has been Salem’s trusted choice for collision repair. As an I-CAR Gold Class certified facility with ASE certified technicians, we bring the highest level of expertise to every repair. Our commitment to quality is backed by our Unlimited Lifetime Warranty on all repairs.
We understand how stressful the post-accident process can be. That’s why we offer:
- Free estimates from certified technicians
- Direct work with all major insurance companies
- Rental car assistance to keep you mobile
- Towing arrangements through our partnership with BC Towing
- Secure inside storage for your vehicle during repairs
Understanding Hidden Damage
One of the most important things Salem drivers need to understand is that visible damage often represents only a fraction of the total damage. Modern vehicles are designed with crumple zones and advanced structural components that absorb impact energy. This means a relatively minor-looking dent might be hiding significant structural damage underneath.
At Dabler Auto Body, we use advanced diagnostic equipment like our Vector computerized measuring system to detect misalignment in your vehicle’s structure that isn’t visible to the naked eye. Our Chief frame rack machines can then restore your vehicle to factory specifications with precision accuracy. This thorough approach ensures your car’s safety systems will function properly in the event of another collision.
What to Avoid After an Accident
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what NOT to do after an accident:
- Don’t admit fault: Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you. Stick to the facts when describing what happened.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement: Insurance companies may pressure you to settle before you understand the full extent of damage or injuries.
- Don’t skip medical evaluation: Hidden injuries can become serious problems if left untreated.
- Don’t delay repairs: Minor damage can worsen over time, and rust can develop quickly in Oregon’s wet climate.
- Don’t let the insurance company choose your body shop: You have the legal right to select the repair facility of your choice.
Your Post-Accident Checklist
To help Salem drivers remember all the essential steps, here’s a quick reference checklist:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed
- Move vehicles to safety if possible
- Turn on hazard lights
- Call Salem Police to report the accident
- Exchange information with other drivers
- Photograph everything
- Get witness contact information
- Contact your insurance company
- Seek medical attention
- File Oregon DMV report within 72 hours (if required)
- Choose a reputable collision repair shop
- Get a comprehensive repair estimate
We’re Here to Help Salem Drivers
Dealing with a car accident is never easy, but having a trusted partner in your corner makes all the difference. At Dabler Auto Body, we’ve been helping Salem families through the collision repair process for nearly 50 years. Our team understands that you need more than just quality repairs—you need guidance, communication, and peace of mind.
If you’ve been in an accident in Salem, Keizer, or anywhere in the Willamette Valley, contact Dabler Auto Body for a free estimate. We’ll walk you through the process, work directly with your insurance company, and restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Call us today at (503) 585-8066 or visit us at 1465 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301.
Remember: You have the right to choose your own repair shop. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. When quality matters, Salem drivers choose Dabler Auto Body.
