SKIP TO CONTENTFender-benders, T-bones, scrapes, bumper damage: no matter what type of wreck, car accidents happen virtually every day in Oklahoma. While you may have had a minor wreck or two in the past, major accidents can occur without warning, leaving you or a loved one injured due to a negligent driver and unable to care for yourself or your family.
At Bryan Garrett PLLC, our car accident lawyer has more than 15 years of experience providing knowledgeable legal advice and guidance to auto injury victims. We know how challenging the legal process can be when filing a personal injury claim, so we commit to working on your behalf to help you receive the compensation you need.
For more information on how we can help, please call 405-591-3508 to schedule a consultation with our team at Bryan Garrett PLLC. We will discuss your case, determine if you qualify for a claim, and answer common questions, such as “How much can someone sue for a car accident?” and “Is it worth it to file a car accident lawsuit?”
What to Do After a Car Accident
The actions you take immediately after a car accident can make or break your chances of securing compensation through a personal injury claim. To improve your chances of receiving adequate compensation, consider the following.
1. Remain at the Scene
Oklahoma drivers are legally required to remain at the scene of the accident, regardless of whether they caused it or not. As soon as you get hit by another driver, call 911 to report the accident. Doing so will enable you to receive prompt medical attention and file an official report with the police officers at the scene.
Exchange contact, vehicle registration, and insurance information with the other driver(s). You will likely need to provide the same information to the police officers after they arrive, too.
2. Gather Evidence
If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence while on the scene. Take photos or videos, write down as many details of the accident as you can remember, document skid marks or other telltale signs of a wreck, and sketch out the scene. If possible, gather eyewitness statements and look for video cameras that may have filmed the accident.
Make sure to get a photo of the driver’s license plate, too. If they leave the scene before the police arrive and you’re unable to identify them, you may only receive compensation from your insurance coverage, not the at-fault driver’s.
Finally, don’t apologize for the accident, even if you think you’re somewhat responsible. Doing so could prevent you from making a personal injury claim in the future, as it could imply that you’ve claimed partial or full liability.
3. File a Claim with Your Insurance Company
Regardless of liability, you will likely need to file a report with your car insurance company. Many car insurance companies require you to do so or risk losing your policy or other legal rights, so ensure that you’ve made your auto insurer aware of any vehicle damage or personal injuries.
When speaking with your insurance company, avoid discussing fault or your injuries. Instead, stick to the facts of the wreck and let your car accident lawyer handle any other communications with your or the other driver’s auto insurance company.
4. Track Your Medical Bills
A stack of medical bills and forms from your insurance company may seem like an additional source of stress, but the documentation is necessary if you want to receive the compensation you need to cover the damages and losses of your car accident.
Keep every medical bill, record, or insurance document related to your accident. These may cover a wide range of services, including ambulance rides, doctor’s appointments, tests, medication, therapy, emergency care, hospital stays, and more.
In addition, keep track of payroll information if you’ve missed work. Finally, hold onto any other bills that relate directly to your accident, including at-home care, home or workspace modification, and other costs.
5. Hire a Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve sustained an injury due to a car accident, hire an experienced car accident lawyer like those on our team at Bryan Garrett PLLC to negotiate on your behalf and represent you in court. We’ll work with you to understand the details of your accident and the damages and injuries you sustained as a result.
You can count on us to deal with your insurance provider and fight to help you receive the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Get in touch with our team today at 405-591-3508 to schedule a consultation with our Oklahoma personal injury lawyers and learn how we can help.
