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Last Modified on Feb 12, 2026
If you have ever experienced a car accident, you know that the moments directly following a crash can be incredibly harrowing. Being prepared in the event of a car accident can go a long way. So, why not learn about what to do after a serious accident on I-44 or Highway 75 in Tulsa?
If you’ve been injured in a serious accident on the roads in or around Tulsa, you may need to hire a Tulsa car accident lawyer to give you personalized representation in your legal claim.
About I-44 and Highway 75 in Tulsa, OK
The city of Tulsa represents a major metropolitan area in its region. The total population exceeds 415,000 people, and the city is growing every year. In the United States, large urban populations translate to a lot of traffic, and Tulsa is no exception.
Highway 75 runs north and south through the Tulsa metro area, forming part of the circular expressway that surrounds the downtown area. Interstate 44 runs east and west, passing through Tulsa from the northeast before diverting south in the direction of Oklahoma City.
Both of these highways support significant through traffic each day, as well as the daily commutes of tens of thousands of Tulsa residents. Of course, wherever there are a lot of vehicles on the road, there are bound to be accidents. An estimated 271 car accidents take place each day in Oklahoma, resulting in an average of 1.9 daily fatalities.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident on the Highway
If you are involved in a traffic collision that takes place on a highway or an interstate, you may feel particularly overwhelmed and afraid in the moment. With cars speeding around you and no surface streets accessible, it is easy to feel stranded. However, knowing what to do can help you stay calm and handle the situation in a way that preserves your rights and interests. The following are the steps you should take following a highway accident:
- Call for medical attention. The most important thing to do after any roadway accident is seek proper medical attention. Sometimes, injuries are not immediately visible or apparent, so if the impact was significant, prompt medical attention is necessary, even if it does not initially seem like you are seriously injured.
- Call the police. The next step is to call the police and report the accident. If the accident caused significant damage or injuries, or if your car is not drivable to move off the roadway, the police should definitely be involved.
- Pull over or get out. If it is possible, pull over to the shoulder of the highway. Your car may not be movable, and if that is the case, exit the vehicle and get to the side of the road if you are physically able to do so. This is a precautionary measure to protect you from the hazard of oncoming traffic.
- Get insurance information. If you are able to safely do so, exchange car insurance information with the other driver. This may be difficult to do if you are not in a safe location, so it can wait until after the police have arrived and blocked off the area.
- Call for a ride. If your car is not drivable, you should call someone and let them know you need a ride away from the site of the accident after the police say you can leave.
- Arrange a tow. If your car is not movable and is blocking the highway, first responders usually have it towed off the roadway for you. If it is on the shoulder and out of the way, they may leave it for you to take care of. If that is the case, your next step is to contact a towing company and arrange to have your car moved off the highway.
After you have handled all of these tasks in the immediate aftermath of the accident, you need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Finally, it may be beneficial to consult an attorney at any point in this process. This is especially true if you were injured and the accident was not your fault. You may have a case for a personal injury claim, which can help you recover any financial losses you suffer because of the accident or your injuries.
FAQs
Is Oklahoma an At-Fault State for Car Insurance?
Yes, Oklahoma operates as an at-fault state when it comes to car insurance claims. This means that the driver responsible for an accident is ultimately responsible for any damages resulting from it. Therefore, insurance companies do not pay for claims until they receive an official report from the accident showing which party was deemed liable.
How Long Do I Have to Submit an Insurance Claim for a Car Accident?
The length of time a person has to submit an insurance claim after a car accident varies by state. In Oklahoma, the allowed time is two years. After two years have passed, a person can no longer pursue compensation for damages from an accident through insurance. Two years is also the length of time a person has to file a personal injury claim, as codified in Title 12, Section 95 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
How Is Liability Determined in a Car Accident?
To determine who is liable for a car accident and therefore responsible for paying damages, police take statements from all drivers involved, as well as any witnesses to the accident. They may also review security or traffic camera footage, if any is available, and study the crash mechanics based on the positions of the vehicles involved and evidence like skid marks on the road.
Can I Get Compensation for a Car Accident Injury?
Yes, you absolutely can and should get compensation if you are injured in a crash that was not your fault. To begin the process of pursuing a settlement, you can file a claim with the liable driver’s insurance company. If the claim is denied or underpaid, as they often are, you can pursue a personal injury claim with the help of an attorney.
Injured? Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a highway or other accident in the Tulsa area, you may be able to seek compensation for your financial losses. Contact Fulmer Sill today to discuss your case and find out how we can empower you.
