What to Do After an Accident That’s Not Your Fault in Oklahoma

Car accidents can cause intense stress. The immediate aftermath may leave you shaken up or experiencing an adrenaline rush – both of which are completely normal. Unfortunately, these reactions may not put you in the best mindset for handling all of the issues that pop up following a wreck. The truth is, there are some clear steps you should take after a collision, even if you are not at fault.

These steps can help protect your rights and may make a difference in the outcome of your case. Here are nine things you should do following an accident in Oklahoma City:

1.     Stop, move out of traffic’s way, and ask about injuries

Immediately after your accident, you should stop your vehicle, move out of traffic’s way, and ask whether anyone is seriously injured. If you are severely injured or cannot move, you should sit calmly and patiently wait until law enforcement arrives.

2.     Call 9-1-1 and report the crash to authorities

If your cell phone is close by and you are physically able to, you should dial 9-1-1 and report the crash to authorities as soon as possible. The 9-1-1 operator will ask you specific questions, such as:

• Are you hurt?
• Is anyone else involved?
• Are they hurt?
• Where are you located?
• Where did the crash occur?
• Where were you going?

Regardless of whether your accident seemed severe, the dispatcher may send an ambulance to provide medical treatment and transport anyone who wishes to go to the hospital. Once the law enforcement officers arrive at your accident scene, they will assess the damage, investigate what happened, and ask you questions to create a police report. This report is a document that gives the officer’s opinion on what happened, how it happened, and whether anyone made clear mistakes. This document can be useful to you later on.

3.     Exchange certain information with the other parties and witnesses

Even though you may be angry or upset with other drivers or parties involved, you will need contact information from them. The police may be able to help with the gathering of this information so that you are not caught in a difficult or potentially risky situation. You will also need to provide your full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, car insurance information, vehicle make and model, vehicle VIN number, license plate number, and more. If you notice any nearby businesses, pedestrians, workers, or bystanders, you can also exchange contact information with them. These witnesses may have information that could help you build your claim.

4.     Document the accident and scene

If you are able to do so safely, take photos or record videos with your cell phone of the vehicle damage, vehicle positions, road marks, debris, street signs, nearby businesses, and more. This can be beneficial if you forget any facts or details regarding the scene or accident within a few hours or days, which is common. However, never do this if it puts you at risk or if you are already severely injured.

5.     Seek medical attention (right away)

Even if you think that you feel fine, seek medical attention as quickly as possible. The doctor will examine you, order tests, and document your symptoms. They can check for any hidden injuries that you might not have noticed because of the adrenaline. If you are injured in any way, your doctor will provide a treatment plan. Be sure to follow that plan and keep up with your appointments. If the other party finds evidence that you failed to follow medical advice, they may use it to argue that you exaggerated your injuries.

6.     Call your car insurance company

You should inform your insurance provider of the car accident within the first day or two. Even if you know that you are not at fault, your insurance company needs to be aware of the accident and who was involved. You should keep this phone call as brief and straightforward as possible because you do not want to say anything that could be twisted or turned to place blame on you.

7.     Begin collecting evidence

Once you are on the path to recovery, you, hopefully with the help of your lawyer, will need to begin collecting evidence. The evidence might include:

• Medical records
• Doctor notes
• Police reports
• Medical bills
• Prescriptions
• Photos
• Videos
• Surveillance footage
• Dashcam footage
• Witness statements
• And more

The goal is to gather as much information as possible to support your claim and dispute the defense’s arguments.

8.     Keep a journal or notebook

You may also help your case by keeping a journal or notebook. For example, you can write about any big or small detail that you remember about the accident, how you feel each day following the accident, and any hardships you have faced in your daily life since the accident. This can help you provide the insurance company, judge, or jurors with an in-depth look at the pain and suffering that the accident has caused you.

9.     Hire an Oklahoma City car accident attorney

Even in the case of minor or simple car accidents, you should hire a car accident attorney. An attorney will conduct their own investigation, help you retrieve evidence, communicate with insurance companies and opposing parties, and fight for the maximum compensation available in your claim.

Have you recently been involved in a collision in Oklahoma City? If so, the car accident lawyers at Cunningham & Mears can help. Our team is ready to help guide you through these steps, keep track of required deadlines, and build a case for recovery. Please call our office or submit our contact form today. We offer free, no-obligation consultations in Oklahoma City.