Oklahoma City Hit and Run Lawyers

Consequences of a Hit and Run Accident in Oklahoma City

Hit and run accidents are taken seriously in Oklahoma City, and drivers who are found guilty of this offense may face severe consequences. The consequences for hit and run accidents vary depending on the extent of the damage and whether any injuries or fatalities were involved. If the accident only involved property damage, the driver may face a misdemeanor charge, which can result in fines, probation, or even a short jail sentence. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or fatalities, the driver may face felony charges, which can result in more severe penalties, such as a longer jail sentence and higher fines.

Depending upon the circumstances of the accident, the individual who left the scene can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony.

• Hit and run accidents that result in the death of another individual are class B felonies.
• Those that cause injury to another individual are class C felonies.
• Striking the body of an individual who is deceased is a gross misdemeanor.
• Damage to a parked vehicle is a misdemeanor.

These crimes are punishable by fines, prison time or both.

Additionally, an individual charged with hit and run may face criminal charges and may be found civilly liable for damages to the individual who was hit.

While it seems as if the severity of the penalties would prevent incidents like this from happening, it simply does not. Sometimes the extenuating situations of the driver (like having no insurance or license, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or even having an outstanding arrest warrant) encourages them to leave. Sadly, hit and run accidents still occur frequently in Oklahoma.

Sometimes the hit and run driver simply panics – but this is not a reasonable excuse for leaving the scene of an accident. Our Oklahoma City hit and run attorneys stand by the belief that there is no acceptable reason for leaving the scene of an accident, and we provide our clients comprehensive and diligent service as we fight to get the compensation package you deserve.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Hit and Run Accident

If you are involved in a hit and run accident, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the necessary steps to ensure your safety and legal protection. The first thing you should do is call 911 and report the accident. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. If you are not injured, try to collect as much information about the driver and their vehicle as possible, including the license plate number, make, and model of the vehicle. This information can be helpful in identifying the driver and holding them accountable for their actions. Additionally, you should contact an experienced hit and run accident attorney to help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your injuries or damages.

As a hit and run accident victim, you are likely overwhelmed. Overseeing your healthcare, your property damage and your insurance issues is a lot to balance. And you may be concerned with the finances of the entire process.

Our hit and run attorneys are experienced in managing cases like yours. They suggest that if you were in a hit and run accident, you should do the following.

• Seek Medical Attention: Your well-being and that of anyone traveling with you should always be your priority. Make sure you obtain appropriate medical care. If you were taken from the accident to the hospital in an ambulance, be sure to follow up with your personal physician. If you felt okay after the accident and refused treatment at the scene, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. Often the adrenaline rush of a crash can mask the immediate pain of an injury. Visit your doctor to ensure that you are okay.
• Record What You Remember: Any information you can recall can be valuable in a hit and run situation. The following details can be incredibly important.
  • Car make and model
  • Complete or partial license plate information
  • Names and telephone numbers of anyone who may have witnessed the accident
  • Date and time the accident happened
  • Photographs of the site and your car (but only if you can do this safely).

  It makes sense to write down everything you can remember from the accident; keep a notebook nearby to add information as you remember it. No detail is too small. It is so easy to forget things as time goes by.

• Be Safe: Perhaps most importantly, do NOT pursue the car that hit you. You must protect yourself and your family. Chasing down someone who committed the crime of hit and run can be dangerous.
• Call the Police: Contacting law enforcement is critical. While you are not required to file a police report, there really is no reason not to do this. Remember, the person who hit you who was in the wrong, not you. Contacting the police immediately, while you are still at the accident scene, is optimal. This allows them to provide a first-hand account of the situation and they may even be able to talk to those who saw what happened.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: You will want to report the hit and run accident to your insurance company but should not discuss settlements.
• Contact Our Hit and Run Lawyers: The hit and run accident attorneys at Strong Law are well-versed in the issues pertaining to these types of accidents. We will serve as your representative with your insurance company, advocating for the best possible settlement. It is wise to involve us at the outset so we can communicate with everyone on your behalf. We can advocate for you, firmly and calmly.