December 2, 2024 | Car Accidents
Were you hurt in a motor vehicle wreck in Lawton or elsewhere in Comanche County? You are certainly not alone. Year after year, car crashes are a leading cause of accidental injuries. While it is normal to feel stressed out and overwhelmed at the scene of a crash, it is crucial that you take immediate action to protect your rights. Evidence is key to any car accident injury claim. You need to secure relevant evidence at the scene of the collision itself. Our Lawton car accident attorney provides an overview of the evidence that you should gather at the scene of an accident.
Why it Matters: Oklahoma is a Fault-Based Car Accident Liability State
Oklahoma follows a fault-based system for car accident liability. The at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for damages. Victims must prove negligence to recover compensation. Given how the system works, gathering solid and reliable evidence from the crash scene is crucial for building a strong claim. Under Oklahoma law (Okla. Stat. Ann. Tit. 23 § 13), a modified comparative negligence standard applies. Each party to an accident in Lawton can be held liable for their “share” of the fault.
An Overview of Evidence You Should Gather from the Scene of a Crash in Lawton
Name, License, Vehicle, and Insurance Coverage of Any Other Drivers
All motorists involved in a crash in Lawton have a duty under Oklahoma state law to stop their vehicle, exchange information, and remain at the accident scene unless there is a medical emergency. You should always collect the name, driver’s license number, vehicle make and model, and insurance policy information from every driver involved in the crash in Lawton. It is this seemingly basic information that will be essential for filing an insurance claim. Be sure to verify that the insurance details match the vehicle and driver.
Photographs and Videos of the Crash Damage and Accident Scene
The more pictures (and videos) that you have, the better. You should use your smartphone to capture high-quality photographs and videos of the crash site. Among other things, you should focus on vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and road conditions. It is also a best practice to include traffic signs, weather conditions, and any other factors that might have contributed to the accident. Visual evidence can be compelling, and pictures can help experts recreate the accident.
Contact Information for Any Eyewitnesses
Did any person witness the crash? It could be a pedestrian, cyclist, or the occupant of another vehicle. If so, you should be sure to get their contact information. Eyewitnesses can provide unbiased accounts of the crash. If someone saw the accident, politely ask for their name, phone number, and email address. Witness statements can support your version of events and clarify fault.
A Personal Written Account of What Happen
Your own account of the accident in Lawton is also evidence. It can be especially compelling if it is a contemporaneous account. While the crash is fresh in your memory, write down your version of events in detail. You should include verifiable details, such as the time, location, road conditions, and any actions you took leading up to the crash. Avoid speculation—focus on the facts.
A Copy of the Police Report
All significant motor vehicle collisions in Oklahoma should be reported to law enforcement, such as the Lawton Police Department. A responding officer will, among other things, control the scene and write an accident report. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, you should make sure that you know which law enforcement agency made the report. You will need to request a copy.
How Our Lawton Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With an Investigation
Motor vehicle accident claims are complicated. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on any insurance company—even your own provider—to conduct a fair and impartial investigation. Our team is always ready to hit the ground running. Lawton attorney Kent McGuire has extensive experience conducting comprehensive car accident investigations. We will make sure that you have access to the evidence that you need to prove fault and secure full and fair compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lawton Auto Accident Attorney Today
At McGuire Law Firm, our Lawton auto accident lawyers have the professional expertise that you can trust when it matters most. If you have any questions or concerns about your options, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial case review. We represent car accident victims in Lawton, Comanche County, and throughout Southwest Oklahoma.