STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN OKLAHOMA CITY
What to do after a car accident
After you are in a car accident in Oklahoma, there are steps you can immediately take to protect your rights. First and foremost, stay calm and proceed in a businesslike manner. The lawyers of Burch, George & Germany, P.C., suggest that you also follow these six steps:
1. Call 911 for help.
If you are not severely injured, check to see whether others are hurt. Call 911 for help right away. If you have been injured, get medical help from emergency medical responders.
If you do not need emergency care, still see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Some serious injuries have symptoms that don’t appear until 24 hours or more after the injury.
Receiving medical treatment of any kind results in documentation that will be helpful if you file a claim for compensation later on.
2. Report the accident.
You must report the accident in order to file a claim later. When police arrive, answer their questions truthfully. However, you do not need to volunteer information. Never admit fault. Do not blame others, either. Those facts will be established by the evidence as your case proceeds.
When you talk to your insurer or hear from the other driver’s insurance company, be honest. However, avoid providing too much information. Do not downplay the accident or your injuries. If asked to record a statement or to sign a statement, decline to do so until you have first spoken with a lawyer.
3. Exchange information.
Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information and driver’s license number. Be prepared to provide the same information about yourself. You should keep this information conveniently stored in your glove compartment.
4. If you can, photograph or record video of the accident scene.
Get photos or video of anything that tells the story of the wreck, including the cars and their damage, crash debris on the road, your injuries, passengers’ injuries, the other driver and road conditions that may have contributed to the accident, etc. Record witnesses’ names and contact information. This is all evidence that may help you later.
5. Get a copy of the police report.
When talking to the responding officer, ask when and how to obtain the police report from the accident. Then get a copy as soon as possible. This report will be the starting point in your lawyer’s investigation of your accident.
6. Contact a lawyer from an Oklahoma city law firm who handles car accidents Oklahoma.
A car accident attorney takes your side after a wreck and works to protect your rights and interests. No one else does that. For instance, the insurance companies involved in your accident can and likely will work to benefit themselves at your expense.
Our Oklahoma car accident lawyers
The goal of a Burch, George & Germany, P.C., car accident attorney is to maximize the compensation you receive in your case. We will deal with the insurance companies for you.
One of our experienced car accident lawyers can meet with you to discuss your accident and your legal options at no charge to you. Simply contact us today to get started in your case.
Got questions? Find the answers to the most frequently asked car accident questions and car accident cases Oklahoma.