|
|
Last Modified on Aug 02, 2026
Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and accidental deaths in Oklahoma each year. If you are involved in an accident, the first steps you take significantly affect your recovery. But while you need to know what to do after the crash, it is equally important to know what not to do after a car accident in Tulsa. Common mistakes can negatively impact your recovery.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident in Tulsa
The aftermath of a car accident can be confusing, and in Oklahoma, all accidents that involve two or more vehicles are resolved based on fault. You will need to identify the party responsible for causing the accident and prove how they caused it before you can recover any compensation for your damages. This may sound simple enough, but there are a few common mistakes you need to avoid to increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome.
The Oklahoma Department of Highway Safety recorded 2,094 serious injuries from vehicle crashes statewide in 2024. If you or a family member suffered injuries in an accident and you believe that another party is responsible, it is crucial to hire a car accident lawyer you can trust at your first opportunity to help you prove liability and recover compensation for your damages.
Your Tulsa car accident attorney can build the foundation of your case and also provide direction when it comes to mistakes you should avoid:
Don’t Leave the Scene Without Reporting the Accident
Oklahoma law requires drivers to report any crash resulting in property damage, injury, or death to 911. If you fail to report an accident, this could not only complicate your recovery but also potentially lead to criminal charges. If you are unsure whether you need to report an accident, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution and report it, and do not leave the scene until first responders allow you to leave.
Do Not Admit Fault
In Oklahoma, all car accidents are resolved based on fault, and it’s possible for multiple parties to share liability for an accident. Under the state’s modified comparative fault rule, the plaintiff in a Tulsa car accident claim could be found partially liable for the accident and, if so, may only receive partial compensation for their losses. If they are found more at fault than the defendant, however, they would be barred from claiming damages.
When police respond to your accident and arrive on scene, answer their questions honestly but choose your words carefully. Do not say anything they may interpret as an admission of fault. Additionally, if an insurance company reaches out to you after the accident, do not say anything that could be construed as an admission of fault.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Without an Attorney
Filing an auto insurance claim is usually your first recovery option after a vehicle accident in Oklahoma. Every driver is required to have insurance, and you can file a claim against an at-fault driver’s policy to recover your losses. However, most insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying out settlements or minimize the amount of compensation they pay. They will also attempt to use your own words against you whenever they can.
If you hire a car accident lawyer before filing your insurance claim, they can negotiate on your behalf. The insurance company will be more likely to process your claim in good faith if they see that you have legal counsel, and you will have a greater chance of securing appropriate compensation. Your attorney can also resolve any disputes the insurance company raises against you.
Ultimately, these are only a few of the things you should avoid doing after a car accident in Tulsa. Keep these tips in mind to have a better chance of recovering suitable compensation for your damages, and reach out to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to help you recover.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Fault in a Tulsa Car Accident Claim?
To prove fault in a Tulsa car accident claim, you may need evidence like photos of the scene of the crash, eyewitness statements, vehicle computer data, police reports, and more. Some of the evidence you need could be lost fairly quickly after the accident unless you hire a car accident lawyer who knows how to obtain and preserve the proof you need to build your case.
What Happens if I Share Fault for a Car Accident in Tulsa?
If you share fault for a car accident in Tulsa, you may only be able to recover partial compensation for your damages. Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence rule allows a plaintiff found partially at fault to recover partial compensation, but their total recovery is reduced by their fault percentage. If the plaintiff is found more at fault than the defendant, then the plaintiff would be barred from claiming any damages at all.
Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to File a Car Insurance Claim?
You should hire a car accident lawyer to help you file a car insurance claim. Most insurance companies will try to deny or devalue claims if they find any justification to do so. If you tried to handle your claim on your own, the insurance claim adjuster will try to twist your own words against you, and saying the wrong thing could give them just enough of a reason to devalue or deny your claim. You are more likely to be treated fairly if you have legal representation.
How Much Is a Tulsa Car Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a Tulsa car accident claim largely depends on the scope and severity of your damages. If you can prove that another party caused the accident, then you have the right to claim compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you suffered. Hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident so they can accurately determine the full value of your case.
Contact Fulmer Sill Today
Fulmer Sill strives to empower injured people in their accident cases, and we’re confident we can help you reach a favorable outcome in your case. We have successfully helped many injured clients in Tulsa and surrounding communities of Oklahoma with their accident claims, and we are ready to apply this experience to your case. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer.
