January 22, 2022 | Car Accidents
A car accident can be a scary event. An accident may result in an injury or significant damage to your vehicle. You may struggle with what to do next. It’s common for people who experience a car accident to face a surge of adrenaline and not know what to do.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma City, here are the steps you should follow.
Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
The first thing you should do is make sure no one has sustained a serious injury that requires immediate transport to the hospital.
A serious injury might involve broken limbs, severe cuts, or a brain injury. It’s important to make sure that anyone who needs immediate medical attention is treated as soon as possible. If anyone is hurt, it’s important to call for an ambulance right away.
Call the Police
If the accident is severe and involves significant injuries or death, you must call 911 to report the accident. It is required by law. You should also call 911 if there is significant damage to a vehicle. Otherwise, you may contact the City of Oklahoma City Police Department.
After the accident is reported, a police officer will come to the scene to review the crash and issue a police report. The police report will be helpful if you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. It can also be used by insurance companies to determine who might be at fault for the accident.
These reports will identify the parties involved in the accident detail the conditions at the scene of the accident. They may even include preliminary determinations of fault.
Collect Any Important Information
After an accident, it’s important to collect any information you can from other parties involved in the crash. Ask everyone for their names and contact information. Ask the other drivers for their insurance information and take a picture of their driver’s license, if you can.
You should also collect information about the vehicle involved, such as the VIN number and license plate number. Record the make and model of the car, too.
If there are any witnesses to the crash, ask for their contact information. They may be asked to provide their observations of the crash to police officers, insurance agencies, or attorneys.
Gather Evidence of the Crash
Take photos of any damage or injuries sustained in the crash. This can include damage to vehicles or nearby property. You should also take photos of any injuries to yourself, passengers, or others.
If there are any skid marks or other items that may be related to the crash — such as ice on the road or a piece of broken pavement — make sure to take photos of that, too.
Avoid Discussion of Fault at the Scene of the Crash
It is common for emotions to run high after a crash. Sometimes, it is tempting to engage in conversation about who was at fault for the accident. However, these types of discussions can quickly grow contentious.
Avoid discussing the crash and the reasons why it occurred. Never say that you’re “sorry.” While this may seem polite, this kind of phrase could be used against you in a later claim. Insurance companies may even use your statement to imply that you are partially at fault for the accident. This would give them grounds to deny or reduce your claim.
Contact a Lawyer if You Have Sustained Injuries or Significant Damages
A car accident lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you to pursue compensation for any damages that occurred in the collision. Common damages include medical costs, lost income or wages, and pain and suffering.
As you’re discussing your case with an attorney, it is important to have all of the information and documentation you obtained at the accident scene on hand. The lawyer will work with you and insurance agencies to ensure that you receive an appropriate settlement for the harm you suffered.
Contact the Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers at McGuire Law Firm Today for Free Consultation
For more information, please contact the Oklahoma City car accident law firm of McGuire Law Firm at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout Oklahoma and its surrounding areas:
McGuire Law Firm – Edmond
200 E 10th Street Plaza
Edmond, OK 73034
United States
(405) 513-5658