Q: in a car accident
I was in a car accident that wasnt my fault. At the time of the accident, i hadnt realized it but my insurance lapsed. I had my damages appraised at just over 1000 dollars. the accident report states that unless the damages are 2500 or more I didnt have to file an accident report. so I didnt. There were no injuries made known at the time of the accident. We both were able to get out of our vehicles and walk around the cars and exchange info(mine of which at the time I believed to still be active). The DMV suspended my license and upon contacting them they say that the other driver is claiming injuries.
A: An Oregon attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry this happened to you. Based on your description of events, you acted reasonably, since you were not aware that the other driver would report injuries. And in many jurisdictions, the reporting thresholds for Departments of Motor Vehicles are based on a given figure for property damages or injuries. If you are not able to reinstate on your own through the DMV, a traffic ticket defense attorney would probably be able to work with you. Another element to be concerned about is notice to your carrier. You may have already placed them on notice, but if you did not, due to your first impression of minor property damages, it's possible they could be interested in setting up a bodily injury claim. Although the accident was not your fault, you do not know what the other driver's statement will be to their carrier, and your carrier could be interested in interested in investigating the accident or obtaining a statement from them without the passage of too much time. Good luck
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