Free Case Evaluation
What to do After a Car Accident in Oklahoma
Recommendations from the experienced injury lawyers of Cunningham & Mears
At Cunningham & Mears, our accident attorneys understand how traumatic an auto accident is for everyone involved. Not only is the accident itself shocking, but the aftermath is often extremely confusing.
Whether your crash happened on I-35, I-40, I-44, the Kilpatrick Turnpike, Broadway Extension, or a busy Oklahoma City intersection, the steps you take after the accident matter.
Our accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and responsibilities after a car accident to make your recovery easier.
Key takeaways
- Your safety and health are incredibly important after a car accident. Always check for injuries and call 911 right away so they can come and create a police report.
- Document as much as possible at the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and witness information. Also, get contact and insurance information from everyone involved.
- Never admit fault after an accident. This means not apologizing, even if it feels natural.
- Some injuries may not appear right away. Visit a doctor promptly and keep records of all your medical treatment, as this will be important evidence in your case.
- Don’t post about your accident or injuries online, and don’t accept a quick settlement without talking to a lawyer.
- The right attorney can help you gather evidence, explain your rights, and deal with insurance companies while you focus on getting better. Early legal advice can make a big difference in your outcome.
Free Case Evaluation
Table of contents
- What should you do right after a car accident in Oklahoma?
- When is the right time to call a lawyer after a car accident in Oklahoma?
- What should I do after a car accident?
- Actions to avoid after an auto accident
- Additional steps to take after a car accident
- What Oklahoma car accident laws should I know?
- How can an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer help?
- When should I call a car accident lawyer?
- What compensation can you recover after a car accident in Oklahoma?
- What is my car accident case worth?
- Frequently asked questions
- Do you have a local Oklahoma City car accident lawyer?
What should you do right after a car accident in Oklahoma?
If you're in a car accident, check to see if anyone needs help, call 911, get medical attention even if you don’t feel hurt right away, and try to take photos of the scene if you can. The choices you make right after the accident often have a big impact on both your well-being and your chances of getting money to cover your losses later on.
When is the right time to call a lawyer after a car accident in Oklahoma?
It’s smart to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after your accident, especially if you’re injured, the other driver says the crash was your fault, or an insurance company tries to get you to settle fast. Having legal support sooner means it’s easier to keep track of evidence and avoid mistakes that might weaken your case.
What should I do after a car accident?
After a car accident, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your health and your legal rights. Below are some of the first things you should do afterward:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Seek immediate medical attention for yourself and any passengers, drivers, or pedestrians who may be injured. Even if you do not feel your injuries at first, contact a doctor to discuss possible latent brain injury, back injury, or other traumatic injuries.
- Call the police: Dial 911 for police and ambulance assistance. The police take your statement, as well as those of other drivers and any witnesses. They also record details of the accident scene and ensure the area is safe.
- Take photos: If you have a phone with a camera or video recorder, take photos or video of the aftermath of the accident, including injuries, damage to your vehicle, and other evidence such as road conditions, signs or signals, or skid marks. Photos, videos, and even diagrams are valuable evidence when dealing with insurance.
- Gather evidence: If another driver admits fault, take note of it. Write it down as soon as you can. People often change their story later, so details matter. Many at-fault drivers initially admit fault but later change their minds, so having strong evidence is important to your case. Also, look for any impartial witnesses who can help prove another person was at fault.
- Talk to an attorney immediately: Before giving detailed or recorded statements to insurers, consider speaking with an attorney.
Actions to avoid after an auto accident
It’s just as important to know what to avoid; taking the wrong steps or saying the wrong thing could seriously jeopardize your claim.
Leaving the scene too quickly
Never leave the scene of an accident before sharing information and ensuring help is on the way, even if the damage seems minor. Leaving can put you at risk of legal trouble and can hurt your claim.
Admitting fault
Even a simple apology at the scene can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. Avoid saying anything that sounds like you are taking the blame. Speak with a car accident lawyer who understands Oklahoma law before you discuss the accident.
Skipping medical treatment
Refusing medical care or not seeing a doctor can make it harder to show your injuries were caused by the crash. Even if you feel fine, always get checked by a medical professional.
Forgetting to take photos
If you don’t take pictures or video of the scene, damage, and your injuries, valuable evidence could be lost. Take photos if you’re able, as this can help prove what actually happened.
Posting on social media
Do not post anything online. This includes photos of physical activities that are unrelated to the accident. For example, even a photo of you lifting your child can be used to show that you were not injured as claimed.
Accepting a fast settlement without legal advice
Insurance companies often offer quick payouts to settle your claim for less than the claim is worth. Let an attorney review any offer before you accept, as you may deserve much more.
Additional steps to take after a car accident
Once you have attended to your own medical needs and ensured that the other people involved in the accident are OK, there are a few more things you must remember to do. You need to document as much of the accident scene as you possibly can, given your physical condition.
This is especially important after crashes on high-traffic Oklahoma City roads like Northwest Expressway, Memorial Road, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Lake Hefner Parkway, where speed, lane changes, and congestion often contribute.
Take as many pictures of the accident scene, the people around, and the intersection or location where the car crash took place. Once the police arrive, get their names and badge numbers and confirm where you can get a copy of the police report for the accident. Exchange contact information with the other driver(s) involved. Make sure to get each driver's:
- Name and contact information
- The name of their insurance company and policy number
- Copy their license plate number
- Driver's license number
- The model, type, and color of each vehicle involved
- Location of the crash
Checklist: What to do after a car accident in Oklahoma City
If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident in Oklahoma City, take the following steps:
- Check for injuries and call for medical help if needed
- Call 911 and wait for the police to arrive
- Take pictures or video of damage, injuries, and the scene
- Exchange contact and insurance information
- Collect names and numbers from any witnesses
- Write down any statements from the other driver
- Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance
Taking these steps makes sure you have the information and support you need as you move forward.
What Oklahoma car accident laws should I know?
Oklahoma has certain rules that apply when a car accident happens, whether you are making an insurance claim or thinking about filing a lawsuit. Knowing how these laws work makes it easier to understand your situation and plan your next move.
Fault and comparative negligence
Oklahoma follows a “fault” system in car accidents. This means the driver who caused the crash is usually responsible for the damage (or their insurance company is). The state also uses modified comparative negligence. If you are partly at fault, you can still collect damages, but your compensation will go down by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Time limits for filing claims
There are deadlines set by Oklahoma law for taking action after a car accident, known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries.
This can seem like a long time, but it passes quickly, and it's not unusual for witnesses to disappear or other evidence to be unobtainable as more time goes on. Missing this deadline usually means you lose your chance to go to court and hold the other driver accountable, even if your case is strong.
Insurance requirements
Oklahoma drivers are required to have a minimum amount of car insurance, including coverage for bodily injury and property damage, to help pay for losses if you cause a crash. If you get in an accident and don’t have at least the required coverage, you can be fined, lose your driving privileges, and also be held personally responsible for paying for all damages out of your own pocket.
Understanding how Oklahoma’s car accident laws work can make it easier to protect yourself, both right after the crash and as you deal with insurance or any potential lawsuits.
How can an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer help?
If you sustained serious injuries in the crash, you might be considering taking legal action against the driver whose negligence caused the accident. An experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyer from Cunningham & Mears is here to protect your right to recover fair compensation for your injuries in a car wreck. We pursue damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident.
You do not have to worry about affording a lawyer, because we take cases on contingency. You do not pay lawyer’s fees until we recover compensation for you.
When should I call a car accident lawyer?
After a car accident, you might wonder if you really need a lawyer or if you should handle things yourself. Reaching out to an attorney early can help ensure you do not inadvertently give up any rights. Here's when this is so important:
If you suffered injuries
If you were hurt in the accident, even with pain that seems mild or barely noticeable at first, you should contact a lawyer. Injuries sometimes become worse over time, and having a legal advocate on your side ensures your injuries are recorded properly so you can recover the full cost of your medical treatment and other losses.
If the other driver denies fault
When the other driver says they were not responsible or tries to blame you for the accident, it becomes even more important to involve a lawyer. An attorney may assist by getting police reports and medical records, looking at evidence from the accident site, and talking to witnesses to gather more information about who was really to blame.
If the insurance company offers a quick settlement
It's always a good idea to talk to a lawyer before you accept a quick settlement offer from the insurance company. Insurance companies often try to settle car accident claims for far less than you deserve. If you agree to their offer, you won't be able to seek additional money later, even if unexpected expenses or health concerns arise.
If you have questions about the process
Having a lawyer explain every step can help you avoid surprises and protect your interests. Speaking with a lawyer is a good idea, no matter what the circumstances are. The legal system in Oklahoma can be hard to understand, so talking to a lawyer will help you make sure you don't miss any essential dates or requirements.
If you’re not sure whether your case needs legal attention, most Oklahoma lawyers will talk to you at no charge to help you figure out what to do after a car accident in Oklahoma City.
What compensation can you recover after a car accident in Oklahoma?
After a car accident in Oklahoma, you may face a wide range of losses. Some of the most common ones include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent injuries or disability
The types and amounts of compensation available depend on your individual situation, medical needs, and how your life has changed since the accident. A local attorney can help you understand what you may be able to recover and make sure nothing gets left out of your claim.
What is my car accident case worth?
The types and amounts of compensation you can get depend on your specific situation, your medical needs, and how your life has been changed by the accident. A lawyer in your area can help you figure out what you might be able to obtain and make sure that your claim includes everything.
Damage to your car and other property can also be included. A lawyer can review the specifics of your accident and help you understand what kind of compensation you could expect.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call the police after every car accident in Oklahoma?
Yes, it’s a good idea to call the police after every car accident. In Oklahoma, you are required to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. It’s also helpful for any future legal claim, as it provides evidence of the accident and what caused your injuries.
What information should I collect at the accident scene?
At the accident scene, make sure you take photos of all vehicles involved in the accident and any damage they suffered. Photograph your injuries as well. You should also collect names, contact information, and insurance information for anyone involved. Speak with witnesses and get their contact information as well.
How soon should I see a doctor after a car accident?
You should see a doctor right away. If you don’t, you run the risk of having the insurance company or a jury argue that you weren’t actually injured in the accident.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about the accident?
You should report the accident to your insurance, even if it wasn't your fault. This should be done soon, but you can wait to speak with a lawyer first to make sure you don’t say or do the wrong thing.
What should I avoid doing after a car accident?
After an accident, don’t admit fault for anything that occurred leading up to the accident, and avoid giving the insurance company a recorded statement too soon. Also, don’t post on social media until your case has concluded.
Do you have a local Oklahoma City car accident lawyer?
Cunningham & Mears is a local law firm in Oklahoma City that represents people injured in car accidents. Their attorneys know Oklahoma law and have experience handling cases with insurance companies and in court. The firm has two office locations for your convenience.
You can visit us at 5104 N Francis Ave, Suite 102, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, or at our Westgate OKC office at 9428 Westgate, Suite 102B, Oklahoma City, OK 73162. If you need to speak with someone right away, call us. We answer 24 hours a day, so you can reach someone whenever you need help.
Contact an experienced auto accident attorney in Oklahoma immediately
If you were injured in a car accident or other accident caused by the negligence of another party, contact a qualified attorney immediately to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your injuries. We can explain what you need to do next and help you get the justice you deserve. To learn more about our successful recoveries and personalized service, contact Cunningham & Mears anytime to schedule a free initial consultation at our Oklahoma City office. If you are too injured to come to us, we can come to you.
Related Car Accident Content
