Do you know what to do after a car accident? If you live in Tulsa, you may want to be extra cautious on the road. Tulsa Police recently reported that 69 people died in car crashes in 2021, up from 50 in 2020. Many of the fatal accidents last year involved speeding right before each crash.
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and the aftermath can be severe. However, if you were recently in a car accident in Tulsa or want to be prepared just in case, you can take a few important steps to mitigate damages and start on the road to recovery. No two car accidents are alike, and it's important to know an experienced car accident attorney you can trust in the event of a car crash.
For many people involved in car accidents, it can be difficult to think clearly and figure out next steps. If you or a loved one were hurt in a car accident, it's important to contact an attorney. Additionally, here are the most important steps to take after a car wreck in Tulsa:
1. Stay calm and do not admit fault.
First and foremost, it's important to stay as calm as you can after a car accident so that you can focus on your response. While it may be difficult to do so, avoid admitting fault, even if you think you were at least partially to blame for the collision. Oklahoma is not a no-fault state, which means the at-fault party is financially responsible for the property damage and injuries resulting from a collision. You may not be thinking clearly after a wreck, and you don't want to say something that the opposing party and their insurance company can use against you if you make a claim.
2. Call the police.
Next, it's paramount to call 911 after a car accident and wait until the police arrive. If your car was damaged or you were hurt, you will likely want to make a legal claim. The crash report produced by the police will serve as a crucial piece of evidence in your case if you decide to seek damages with the help of an attorney. Plus, your insurance company, as well as that of the other party, will need the report to help determine liability, too.
3. Gather evidence.
If you can, get the names, statements, and contact information of any witnesses to the crash. If the collision took place on private property, such as a grocery store parking lot, ask a security guard for a statement about what they saw. If there were security cameras involved, ask the property managers to provide that footage. The goal is to have neutral, third-party accounts of the accident to clarify what happened and support your claim for damages.
4. Document the scene.
Once you gather evidence, take some time to write down the circumstances of the accident in a notebook and take photos of the crash scene with your phone or a camera. Your memory of the accident may fade over time, or evidence may be destroyed after the day of the crash. That's why it's important to have photos and notes of the accident so that you can discuss it with your attorney to the best of your ability and strengthen your claim.
5. Seek medical attention if injured.
Depending on the severity of the collision, you may be seeking medical attention sooner rather than later. Still, it's important to get examined by a healthcare provider, even if your injuries are mild. Many car accident-related injuries, such as neck pain after a car accident or back pain after a car accident, will not present themselves until a few days after the collision. A medical exam can help you address any pain, and your injury attorney can also use your medical records to support your injury claim.
If you were recently involved in a car accident or preparing yourself for the future, it's important to know what to do and whom to call after a crash. The trusted car accident attorneys at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux can meet with you during a free consultation to discuss your case. It doesn't matter if you have insurance or were in a car accident without insurance and were not at fault; our injury lawyers are just one call away.