August 1, 2024 | Personal Injury
Every driver in Oklahoma who is involved in a crash has a duty to stop their vehicle, exchange information, and remain at the scene. The failure to do so is a criminal violation—it could even be a felony if a person flees the scene of a crash causing a serious bodily injury. Sadly, it does still happen in far too many cases Here, our Tulsa car accident attorney highlights the key points to know about hit and run injury claims in Oklahoma.
What is a Hit-and-Run Collision?
A hit-and-run collision occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without providing contact information or offering assistance to anyone who might be injured. To be clear, it is an illegal act. There are comprehensive state laws in place in Oklahoma that require motorists to stop and remain at the scene of a crash until law enforcement arrives. The only exception is for a true medical emergency. The Legal Information Institute explains that these laws are designed to ensure that “motorists who get in an accident stay at the scene of the accident and identify themselves to the other motorists or to the police.”
A Lawyer Can Help You Navigate These Challenging Personal Injury Cases
Unfortunately, hit-and-run cases can be particularly challenging for injured victims because the responsible party often cannot be identified or held accountable. In some cases, there can be struggles in getting justice and full and fair financial compensation. The good news is that all hope is certainly not lost. Do not take on the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash alone. A top-rated Oklahoma personal injury lawyer—one who has experience handling these types of complex claims can help. Your Oklahoma hit-and-run collision attorney can review the case, investigate the matter, and help you explore every potential option to secure the absolute maximum financial compensation.
Your Three Main Options for Getting Justice and Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident
You may be wondering: What specific legal options are available after being the victim of a serious hit-and-run accident in Oklahoma? The short answer is that there are three main avenues that injured victims can pursue to get compensatory damages. You may be able to recover financial compensation through any one or more of the following:
- Investigation (Find the Driver): Hit-and-run cases in Oklahoma can be solved. Never give up on trying to find the person responsible for causing the collision. Indeed, One of the first steps in seeking justice after a hit-and-run accident is to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the fleeing driver. Your Oklahoma attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation. It may involve working with law enforcement, collecting eyewitness statements, and even accessing any available surveillance footage from the accident scene. In some cases, private investigators may be hired to assist in tracking down the responsible party. Identifying the driver is always best whenever possible.
- Your Own Insurance Company: If the driver cannot be found, victims can turn to their own insurance policies for compensation. Many insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage, which is specifically designed to cover accidents where the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks sufficient insurance. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. It is important to promptly notify your insurance company about the hit-and-run incident and provide all necessary documentation to support your claim.
- Negligence (Third Party): Finally, in some cases, a third party may be partially responsible for the accident. For example, if the hit-and-run occurred due to poor road conditions, malfunctioning traffic signals, or other hazards, the entity responsible for maintaining those conditions could be held liable. It might include government agencies or private highway contractors. Pursuing a claim against a negligent third party requires demonstrating that their negligence contributed to the accident and resulting injuries. These are complex claims, and it is crucial that you are represented by an experienced Oklahoma hit-and-run attorney.
Contact Our Tulsa, OK, Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today
At McGuire Law Firm, our Tulsa hit-and-run accident lawyer is a compassionate, experienced advocate for injured victims. If you or a family member was hurt in a hit-and-run crash, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us today for your free, no obligation consultation. We handle hit-and-run accident claims in Tulsa and throughout the surrounding region.