Traffic Crash Investigations
Traffic Crash Investigations
It takes special skill and training to investigate and reconstruct a traffic crash. That’s why in 1987 the Benton County Sheriff’s Office formed a four-member Crash Investigation Team. In 2001 we expanded our ability to respond to serious traffic crashes when we entered into an agreement with other agencies to combine resources.
Crash Team
Today, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office participates with the Corvallis Police Department, Philomath Police Department, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Albany Police Department, and Benton County and City of Corvallis Public Works Departments in a multi-agency Crash Investigation Team. This “Crash Team” is brought in to investigate serious traffic crashes involving fatalities, commercial carriers, and crashes resulting in felony criminal charges.
Each agency is responsible for determining their level of participation and for ensuring members assigned to the team are qualified.
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Traffic Accident…
If you are involved in a traffic accident that meets specific, mandatory requirements, you must report it. The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website contains a complete overview of accident reporting requirements and procedures. See Web Links below.