Hit-and-run accidents in Oklahoma are almost always traumatic. If you are the victim, you might leave the experience physically injured and emotionally shaken. Unlike typical car accidents where both drivers remain at the scene to exchange information, a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling abandoned and unsure of your next steps. The situation becomes even more devastating when the accident results in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or other catastrophic injuries.
Beyond the physical impact, victims often deal with anxiety, fear, and a sense of injustice. That’s why seeking medical and legal support is critical to protect your health and legal rights. It’s also important to understand that it’s illegal not to stop at the scene of an accident.
Under Oklahoma law, drivers involved in an accident must:
- Provide their correct name, address, and vehicle registration number.
- Show their driver’s license and security verification form if requested.
- Offer reasonable assistance to any injured parties, including arranging medical transportation.
Failure to stop at the scene of an accident can result in felony charges, including imprisonment and the revocation of your driver’s license. You can find more details in Oklahoma Statute § 47-10-104, 102, and 102.1.
What Not to Do After a Hit and Run:
- Do not leave the scene: Chasing after the other driver can result in missed opportunities to gather critical evidence or speak to eyewitnesses.
- Do not admit fault: Keep your statements to law enforcement factual and avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
At Maples, Nix, and Diesselhorst, our auto accident attorneys, Andy Campbell, and L. Ray Maples II, are known as the best auto-injury accident attorneys in Oklahoma City. They specialize in representing hit-and-run victims. Our firm’s expertise in handling serious auto-injury cases in OKC makes us the most trusted law firm for hit-and-runs.
1. Prioritize Safety and Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety are the highest priorities after a hit-and-run accident. Check yourself for signs of physical injuries. Following a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t appear injured or your injuries appear minor. Some conditions may be masked by the adrenaline of the accident and worsen over time. And, if you or another person have potentially sustained injuries, you need to call 911 and seek medical attention immediately; traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fractures are all potential outcomes of car accidents.
Seeking immediate medical attention helps ensure your health and creates important documentation for any future legal claims.
If possible and safe, remain in your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
2. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
After ensuring your safety, gathering evidence at the scene is crucial to building a strong legal case. Even though the other driver may have fled, the information you collect can be instrumental in holding them accountable.
Key Steps to Document the Accident:
- Take photos and videos of the accident, including your vehicle, damage, skid marks, and injuries.
- Note details about the other vehicle, such as its make, model, color, license plate, and distinguishing features (e.g., bumper stickers).
- Record the direction in which the other vehicle was heading.
- Collect witness statements and contact information.
- Look for security cameras in nearby businesses or homes that might have captured the accident.
At Maples, Nix, and Diesselhorst, we represent Oklahomans seriously injured in hit-and-run cases, even in situations where the other driver is unknown. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you gather the evidence you need for a successful claim.
3. Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
One of the most important steps after a hit-and-run accident is to report it to law enforcement. This is not only required by Oklahoma law but also necessary for any insurance claim or legal case you may file. Without a police report, it may be difficult to prove the circumstances of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable.
How to Report a Hit-and-Run Accident in Oklahoma City:
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident.
- Provide as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle and the circumstances of the crash.
- Ensure a detailed police report is filed, as this document will serve as key evidence in your case.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider, But Proceed with Caution
Once the accident has been reported to the police, you’ll need to notify your insurance provider. However, it’s important to be cautious when communicating with insurance companies. Insurers often try to settle claims quickly, especially in cases involving serious injuries, for far less than what victims are entitled to.
At Maples, Nix, and Diesselhorst, we have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of victims to seek fair compensation, including:
- Medical bills (current treatment and future care)
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Pain and suffering from the trauma of the accident
Over the past 30 years, our car accident attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Before signing any documents or agreeing to a settlement, consult with our team to make sure your rights are protected.
5. Get Legal Help from the Best Hit and Run Attorneys in Oklahoma City
In the middle of the chaotic moments, you may wonder what to do after a hit-and-run accident in Oklahoma. One of the most important steps is to seek legal help as soon as possible. The right legal team can assist you every step of the way. Hit-and-run cases are often complex, especially when serious injuries are involved, and you need a skilled attorney to navigate both insurance claims and potential civil lawsuits.
One of our auto-injury clients, Aaron, shared his experience:
“[MND] was very professional and accommodating, and communication was great. They explained everything up front, let me know what to expect during the process, and provided regular updates.”
You deserve to have trustworthy and experienced attorneys working for you. Contact our firm for a free, no-obligation case evaluation by calling 405-544-4151 or filling out our online form.
Don’t Delay: Protect Your Rights After a Hit and Run
Acting quickly after a hit-and-run accident is essential to preserving evidence and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, or contacting an attorney, each step is crucial in building a strong case.
Although no one wants to find themselves in a hit-and-run situation, unfortunately, it happens. According to the NHTSA, there were 2,564 fatal hit-and-run crashes in 2021, and according to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, over 500 hit-and-run crashes occurred in Oklahoma 2021. If you are in a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to navigate the future alone. At Maples, Nix, and Diesselhorst, we are committed to helping victims of hit-and-run accidents secure the justice they deserve.
Don’t wait. Contact our experienced attorneys today for a free case evaluation and guidance on your next steps.
