A Car Accident in Oklahoma May Be More Common Than You Think: Know The Steps to Take

1. May 31, 2017 A Car Accident in Oklahoma May Be More Common Than You Think: Know The Steps to Take In Oklahoma, a car accident is never rare. Roads in this state are actually described as among the most dangerous to drive in, in terms of the stats involving drunk drivers as well as the number of fatalities per 100,000 accidents. In 2015 alone, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reported over 9,000 accidents caused by distracted driving. Approximately 2,000 injuries and some 180 fatalities, on the other hand, were caused by alcohol-related vehicular incidents. 1

2. Increasing fatalities are not just recorded in the Sooner State. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that automobile accident deaths in 2015 have risen by 7.2% compared to the previous year. Indeed, there is a massive call to action for the public to become more responsible and more vigilant while on the road. What to Do When You Get into a Car Accident With this increased likelihood that you or someone close to you may be involved in a vehicular accident, it helps to know about the first steps to take once you decide to take the matter to court. If you are able to move about, do not leave the scene of the accident. Take out your phone and snap photos of your car and the other driver’s vehicle. Call the authorities and wait for them to arrive. After the police have made a report on the incident, notify your lawyer right away. Filing for Damages If you have sustained an injury following a car accident, you must make the effort to file for a claim right away. Your lawyer will likely advise you to take legal action no later than two years after the incident. You can claim compensation to cover both economic and noneconomic damages brought by your injuries. These may include costs of medical treatment, vehicle repairs, as well as wages lost due to the inability to resume your work. Noneconomic damages are marked by emotional distress or mental anguish that you may have experienced, or possible loss of companionship or affection. What is Comparative Fault? The amount of damages to be paid out to you may also be based on contributory negligence. It may be possible that the car accident occurred while both you and the other party were distracted. According to the rule of comparative fault, you may only be paid for the damages that were not of your doing. While the extent of your fault as a motorist may not be easily identified at first glance, your car accident lawyer should explain it to you further. 2

3. If you require further information about filing a lawsuit, don’t hesitate to speak to a legal professional. He can review the details of your case, inspect your medical records and expenses, and work by your side to ensure you get compensated in no time. About Little Oliver Gallagher: We understand the dilemmas that families face when they are involved in car accidents. It can be physically, mentally, and financially challenging to recover after a tragic event. If you need support in filing for damages, we will use our resources and expertise to get you the compensation you deserve. Sources: Traffic Fatalities up Sharply in 2015, NHTSA.gov Oklahoma Highway Safety Office - Crash Data and Statistics, OK.gov Oklahoma Car Accident Compensation Laws, StateLaws.FindLaw.com 3