What to Do After a Car Accident in Oklahoma?

Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths throughout the United States, and it is important for every driver to know what to do after a car accident in Oklahoma. If you have been injured in a crash, you have a limited time to pursue accountability and compensation for your damages. An Oklahoma car accident attorney is a valuable resource in this situation.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, all vehicle accidents involving more than one vehicle will be resolved based on fault. This means that whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages. If you are hurt in a crash, one of the most important things to do first in this situation is to hire a car accident lawyer you trust to assist with your case.

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, however, there are a few things to keep in mind that may assist you with your recovery. If you are physically able to do so safely, report the accident to 911 and wait for first responders to arrive. Do not leave the scene of the accident; otherwise, you could face penalties and lose your chance to claim compensation for your damages.

If you are hurt, do not move and risk making your injuries worse. If you are able to move around, do so carefully and try to take photos of the scene of the crash while you wait for first responders to arrive. Taking photos of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and the positions of the vehicles involved in the crash can all be beneficial to your case.

When police arrive, answer their questions honestly but do not say anything that could sound like an admission of fault. Things you say could be taken out of context and used against you later. Once you are free to leave, you should seek medical care immediately, even if you think you only sustained minor injuries. Seeing a doctor can help you determine whether you have suffered internal damage that has not yet caused noticeable symptoms.

Recovering From a Vehicle Accident in Oklahoma

According to the National Safety Council, there were 44,762 deaths and more than five million medically consulted injuries from motor vehicle crashes throughout the United States in 2023. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reported that in 2021, the most recent year with available crash data, there were 66,074 crashes throughout the state.

After you have received medical care for your injuries, you should hire a car accident lawyer if you believe another driver is to blame for your accident. Even if the fault seems obvious to you, the reality is that building and filing a car accident case will be easier with an attorney’s help. You will be more likely to prove liability and hold the correct party accountable for your damages.

Every driver in Oklahoma is required to have auto insurance, and your Oklahoma car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s policy. They will resolve any disputes raised by the insurance carrier and ensure you receive a fair settlement offer. If necessary, you may need to file a personal injury case to recover your losses.

Knowing what to do after a car accident in Oklahoma can have a tremendous impact on your recovery efforts. The team at Fulmer Sill can provide compassionate legal counsel in this situation, so reach out to our team at your first opportunity to learn how we can assist you with your case.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Prove Liability for a Car Accident in Oklahoma?

A: You can prove liability for a car accident in Oklahoma with evidence that shows how the accident happened. Hire a car accident lawyer you trust to gather evidence like cell phone records, police reports, and witness testimony to support your case. You need to prove fault for your accident before you can receive any compensation for your damages.

Q: Is Oklahoma a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: No, Oklahoma is a fault state for car accidents. This means that whoever is at fault for causing an accident is liable for the resulting damages. You must prove fault if you intend to claim compensation for the damages you suffered. Various forms of evidence could be crucial to your case, so it’s important to hire a car accident lawyer to assist you with proving liability.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident in Oklahoma?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident in Oklahoma will depend on the severity of the injuries you suffered. If another driver caused your accident and injured you, they are responsible for your medical expenses and for the income you are unable to earn while you recover. Additionally, you can also seek compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced and your vehicle repair or replacement costs.

Q: Why Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

A: You need to hire a car accident lawyer to have a better chance of proving fault and maximizing your compensation. Even if liability for your recent accident seems obvious to you, the reality is that you could encounter all types of complications as your case unfolds that you will not know how to resolve on your own. Hiring legal counsel you trust will significantly increase your chances of success with your recovery efforts.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case?

A: The time it could take to settle a car accident case will depend on several factors, such as whether liability is shared by multiple drivers or otherwise contested, as well as the severity of your damages. If you hire a car accident lawyer right away, they have more time to gather evidence and build a strong case for you. It can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to settle this type of case.

Knowing what to do after a car accident in Oklahoma means you will be better prepared to face this situation should you suffer injuries in an accident. The attorneys at Fulmer Sill are ready to empower our injured clients and provide comprehensive and results-driven legal counsel in this situation, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how we can help with your car accident case.