Auto Accident Injury in Tulsa, OK

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Tulsa? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Tulsa, OK that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Tulsa, Oklahoma

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. In Oklahoma 71,280 accidents occurred across the state according to data representing 2018 statistics . The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office  says over 75% of accidents in Oklahoma occurred in urban areas meaning population centers in the state, such as Tulsa, are especially susceptible to auto accidents.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

In adherence with Oklahoma state law, you are only required to call the police if there is damage of $300, an injury, or death caused by the accident. The Tulsa Police Department allows you to file a report both in person, or online.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

In Tulsa, and in Oklahoma statewide, average costs of insurance are higher due to a higher than average number of accidents when comparing Oklahoma to other states. In Oklahoma being hospitalized after a car accident costs an injured person on average $57,000 according to data gathered by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Oklahoma

Liability Laws for Tulsa

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department State law requires a minimum liability amount as Oklahoma is an at-fault insurance state. This means that the driver responsible for the accident could bear most if not all of the cost.

Statute of Limitations in Tulsa

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. Oklahoma law confines all personal injury suits to a two year statute of limitations.

While this may seem like a significant amount of time, many injuries and costs from accidents can take months or even years to surface. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Tulsa, OK

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Oklahoma!