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What To Do After A Car Accident in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 there were a total of 590 motor vehicle fatalities in Oklahoma, which was a slight decrease from the previous year. Additionally, the NHTSA reports that the total number of crashes in Oklahoma in 2019 was 70,841, with 21,020 of those resulting in injuries.

 

Here are some additional statistics related to car accidents in Oklahoma:

  • In Oklahoma, 76% of all fatalities occurred in rural areas, while 24% occurred in urban areas.
  • Male drivers and passengers accounted for 65% of all fatalities, while female drivers and passengers accounted for 35%.
  • The highest number of fatalities occurred in the 21-25 age group, followed by the 26-30 age group.
  • Alcohol-impaired driving was a factor in 28% of all fatal crashes in Oklahoma.
  • Speeding was a factor in 29% of all fatal crashes, and 43% of those fatalities occurred on rural roads.

Car accidents in Oklahoma can have serious consequences, including property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Factors that contribute to car accidents in Oklahoma include driver behavior (such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol), road conditions, weather, and vehicle malfunctions.

 

According to data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, the most common factors contributing to fatal car crashes in Oklahoma are:

  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield right-of-way
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to keep in proper lane or running off the road
  • Improper turns

To help reduce the number of car accidents in Oklahoma, it’s important for drivers to follow traffic laws, pay attention to the road, and avoid dangerous behaviors such as driving under the influence or texting while driving. Additionally, maintaining your vehicle, being prepared for changing weather conditions, and staying alert while driving can all help prevent accidents.

 

If you are involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, there are several important steps you should take immediately following the accident to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:

 

1. Check for injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.

2. Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

3. Call the police: Call the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. The police will create a report of the accident, which can be important for insurance and legal purposes.

4. Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.

5. Take pictures: Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and the accident scene. This can be helpful for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

6. Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on the next steps to take and assist with filing a claim.

7. Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and prompt medical attention can help prevent complications.

 

It’s important to remember that every accident is unique, and the specific steps you should take may vary depending on the circumstances. If you are unsure what to do after an accident, seek guidance from a qualified legal professional.

Key laws and statutes governing car accidents in Oklahoma:

1. Reporting requirements: Oklahoma law requires that any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $300 must report the accident to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol or local law enforcement immediately or as soon as possible after the accident.

2. Comparative negligence: Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for an accident, your damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages from the other party.

3. Statute of limitations: Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims related to car accidents. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking damages.

4. Insurance requirements: All drivers in Oklahoma are required to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

5. Hit-and-run accidents: Leaving the scene of an accident in Oklahoma is a criminal offense. Drivers involved in an accident must remain at the scene and provide information to the other driver and law enforcement.

6. DUI laws: Oklahoma has strict laws against driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08%, and penalties for DUI convictions can include fines, license suspension, and jail time.

7. Seat belt laws: Oklahoma has a primary seat belt law, which means that police can stop and ticket drivers and passengers for not wearing a seat belt, even if no other traffic violation has occurred.

 

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of all laws and statutes governing car accidents in Oklahoma, and specific laws and regulations may vary depending on the circumstances of each individual case. If you are involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, it’s important to consult with a qualified legal professional for guidance on how to proceed.

Benefits of hiring an Oklahoma car accident lawyer:

1. Legal representation: An experienced car accident lawyer can represent you in negotiations with insurance companies, other drivers, and other parties involved in the accident.

2. Investigation: Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, including reviewing police reports, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses, to help build a strong case on your behalf.

3. Expertise in the law: A car accident lawyer can provide guidance on the relevant laws and regulations governing car accidents in Oklahoma, as well as any applicable legal precedents or case law.

4. Compensation: Your lawyer can help you seek compensation for a range of damages related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

5. Negotiation: Your lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to try to reach a fair settlement for your damages.

6. Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court and advocate for your interests in front of a judge or jury.

7. Peace of mind: By hiring a car accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery from the accident and have peace of mind knowing that an experienced professional is handling the legal aspects of your case.

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