How Can I Get an Accident Report In Oklahoma City?
Car accidents are traumatic, especially when one or more motorists suffer injuries. It can be difficult to keep a clear head and take purposeful action at the scene, but there are legal obligations for anyone involved in a traffic accident in Oklahoma. Obviously, if you are unconscious or so seriously injured that you are incapacitated, you have to rely on others to summon the police and emergency services. However, it’s important to know how to obtain an accident report later so you can make a claim for car accident damages later under Oklahoma’s fault-based injury law with the help of a car accident lawyer in Oklahoma City.
How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident In Oklahoma?
Almost all Oklahoma car accidents must be reported to the police, except for the smallest parking lot mishaps that cause little more than a scratch to a car’s paint job. Any accident with over $300 in apparent property damage and all accidents with injuries or fatalities must be reported immediately. The police begin generating an accident report at the scene of the accident by collecting all relevant information. Anyone at the accident scene can report the accident if the motorists are too injured to act on their own behalf.
If the damage is minor and there are no injuries, the police do not need to make an appearance at the accident scene, but involved motorists must exchange information and report the accident to the police within six months of the accident date. Under Oklahoma 47-10-108, the law states the following:
“The operator of a motor vehicle which is in any manner involved in a collision upon any road, street, highway, or elsewhere within this state resulting in bodily injury to or death of any person or in which it is apparent that damage to one vehicle or other property is in excess of $300.00 shall forward a written report of such collision to the Department if settlement of the collision has not been made within six months after the date of the accident and provided that if a settlement has been made a report of such settlement must be made by the parties.”
Obtaining a Police Report After an Oklahoma Car Accident
It may take several weeks after the accident date for the completion of the accident report. This report contains critical information and evidence for injury victims to recover compensation for their damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. The police document the date, time, and location of the accident, the names and contact information of those involved, and any the contact information of eyewitnesses. The report may include statements taken at the scene and a description of the conditions they found when they arrived.
You can call the records unit at the Oklahoma City Police Department at 405-297-1112 to find out if your accident report is available and the cost to obtain a copy. Then, fill out the online request form and email it to ocpd.records@okc.gov. You may also obtain a copy of your report in person by filling out the request form and bringing it directly to the OKC Police Department at the Records Unit, 700 Colcord Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. The Records Department is on the second floor.
Finally, you may also send a printed copy of the record request form through the mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the cost of the copy to OCPD Headquarters, 700 Colcord Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City Help?
The police report together with your medical report are critical evidence in your claim. An Oklahoma City injury attorney scrutinizes this and other evidence to make a compelling claim for compensation for your damages. Contact Dan Davis Law today for experienced representation, prompt action, and the best possible results.