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Last Modified on May 13, 2026
No one expects to get into a car accident when they step into their vehicle to head out for a drive. Knowing what happens after a car accident in Oklahoma can make it easier to deal with the aftermath of a serious crash, though, so it’s worth learning about the various processes that occur.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
The steps you take immediately after a crash can improve or decrease your chances of filing a successful car accident claim. You should:
- Stay at the scene: Even if the car accident was minor and you don’t believe anyone was hurt, you should stay at the scene to file a police report. Otherwise, it could be considered a hit-and-run, and you could face criminal charges.
- Get to safety: You should move to a safe place and help everyone else involved in the crash get away from the road. Check for injuries, and move your car out of traffic if you are able to do so.
- Call 911. The easiest way to get help after an accident is to call 911. The police dispatcher can send both officers to take your statement about the accident and emergency medical services to offer aid.
- Protect the scene: If you have an emergency kit in your car, put out flares to alert oncoming traffic to the accident. Try not to disturb potential evidence, with the exception of moving your car out of the way if it is in a dangerous location.
- Collect information: Get contact information from the other driver or drivers involved and any witnesses to the crash. You can also take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to the cars and the nearby road conditions.
- File a claim: You should call your insurance company to file a claim right away. Stick to the facts when giving your statement and don’t admit fault.
- Call a tow truck: Get everything you need from your vehicle before the tow truck driver gets there, and ask for information about where the vehicle is going and what it costs to have it towed.
- See a doctor: Even if you aren’t sure whether you’ve sustained serious injuries, you should get evaluated by a doctor right away. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and the sooner you can have them documented, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to receive compensation for them from the driver who caused your accident.
- Save everything: Save all the receipts and documents related to your medical care and repairs to your car. You’ll need proof of accident-related expenses for your car accident case.
- Call a lawyer: Call a car accident lawyer before you accept any settlement made by the liable driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer can make sure you are being fairly compensated.
What Happens to Your Car
If an accident is minor, you may be able to drive away from it and bring your car to a local shop. If your car is undriveable, you’ll have to make plans to have it towed to the mechanic or a body shop. If it’s totaled, you can have it towed to a scrap yard. If you’re incapacitated, the police can have your vehicle towed by the closest available towing company. You can pick it up at their private storage facility.
In 2021, there were 66,074 total crashes in Oklahoma, many of which left cars in an undriveable condition. If you’re dealing with towing companies, you’re not alone. You should know that there are caps on the fees they can charge. Your insurance may reimburse you for towing and storage fees.
FAQs
What Is the First Thing You Should Do After a Car Accident?
The first thing you should do after a car accident is check yourself and everyone else involved for injuries and help everyone move to safety, away from the flow of traffic. After that, your next step should be to call the police to file a report. If it’s safe and you’re physically able to do so, you can also take pictures of the scene and collect contact information from witnesses.
Is Oklahoma an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Oklahoma is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means the driver found to be at fault for the accident is liable for paying all of the damages associated with the crash. If you were found to be partially at fault for an accident, you may still be able to recover compensation if you held 50% of the blame or less, thanks to Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence rule.
What Should You Not Say to Your Insurance Company After an Accident?
You should not admit fault to your insurance company after an accident. You’ll have to give a statement about what happened, but as with speaking with the police officers who took your statement immediately following the accident, you should stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the causes of the crash. Let your Oklahoma car accident attorney gather the evidence required to support your claim and prove that you were not at fault.
What Is the Three-Collision Rule?
The three-collision rule refers to how people get injured during serious car accidents. First, the car collides with another object. Second, the people inside the car collide with the car or, if they weren’t wearing seatbelts, with the ground outside. Third, the accident victims’ internal organs collide with their bodies, potentially causing organ damage or internal bleeding. If you sustained this kind of serious injury during a car crash, you may be eligible to receive compensation.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You can hire a car accident lawyer to deal with all the details of your case so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
The team here at Fulmer Sill is here to help. In our years in practice, we’ve advocated for countless car accident victims, helping them file claims and receive the compensation they need and deserve. We can help with your car accident case, too. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
