Oklahoma City Hit and Run Accidents
All car accidents are terrifying when they occur and chaotic and distressing during the immediate aftermath, especially if you or a loved one in your car suffered serious injuries. But what happens when the trauma of a car accident in Oklahoma City is exacerbated by the driver who caused the accident fleeing the scene before law enforcement arrives? This is especially concerning in states like Oklahoma City with fault-based insurance laws that require car accident victims to file compensation claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance. How do car accident victims recover their damages like property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages after a hit-and-run accident in Oklahoma City? An Oklahoma City car accident attorney can help you navigate a hit and run accident.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Oklahoma City?
If an accident causes severe or catastrophic injuries, motorists may be unable to do anything other than wait in place for help. They may even be unconscious or incapacitated. But in many cases, motorists are physically able to use their cell phones at the scene of the accident safely, making them a crucial tool for summoning help and documenting evidence. When possible, after an accident, do the following:
- First, if you see the other driver preparing to leave the scene, grab your cell phone if possible to quickly take photos of the car, the driver, and their license plate
- Call 911 to request help and tell them the other driver has left. Describe their vehicle and the direction they were traveling when they fled
- Apply reasonable first aid and comfort to other injured passengers
- Take photos of the accident scene, including anything relevant, such as an intersection or traffic sign, skid marks, and damage to your vehicle
- Photograph any visible injuries
When EMS arrives, it’s always best to accept transportation to the hospital even if you think you are uninjured or your injuries are mild. Otherwise, arrange transportation to a medical provider straight from the accident scene. Ask for a full evaluation to identify any injuries with commonly delayed symptom onset like whiplash, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries like concussions or worse. Call your car insurance provider to report the hit-and-run accident. Finally, call a car accident attorney to represent your best interests in the process of recovering compensation after your hit-and-run accident.
Recovering compensation after a hit-and-run can be a more complex process than typical car accident claims. There are several options for obtaining compensation for economic damages and pain and suffering that may be available to you. For instance, if you selected the optional uninsured motorist coverage to add to your auto insurance policy, you can make a claim against your own policy after a hit-and-run. Depending on any other optional insurance you selected, compensation may be available to you from a collision or comprehensive policy. If you have an umbrella liability policy as part of your property insurance or other insurance, this covers damages in car accidents. Additionally, if law enforcement identifies and apprehends the hit-and-run driver and they have insurance, you can file a claim for damages against their insurance policy, or file a personal lawsuit against them if they have assets.
How Can an Oklahoma City Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Help?
When a hit-and-run driver leaves the scene of the accident, it doesn’t have to mean that you’re on your own when it comes to covering your property damage, hospital bills, and income loss. Contact the experienced Oklahoma City injury lawyers at Dan Davis Law so we can examine your options and strategize the best way to move forward for maximum compensation in your case.