It has been estimated by the government that around 11 percent of all accidents are hit and runs. Some states report a much higher percentage, and in most states, this percentage has risen in the last ten years. If you read the news, you may see a story about a hit and run accident more than once a week, either locally or nationally.

A hit and run is defined as someone not stopping after an accident has occurred. This may be the case whether a pedestrian or another vehicle was hit. You are required by law to stop and exchange information when you are involved in an accident. If you have hit a car and there are no witnesses around, you must leave a note with your information. Failing to do this may get you in serious trouble.

If you are the victim of a hit and run, it is important that you know what you should do. The first, and perhaps most obvious thing, is to assess your or your passenger’s condition. Calling the police and giving them all the information you can about the party who fled is also an important step. If there were any witnesses, any information they can provide is extremely helpful.

You should contact your insurance company to make sure you are covered for hit and run accidents. If you have been injured or your vehicle damaged and your insurance policy does not cover this type of accident, you should speak with an attorney with experience in these types of cases.

If you are the perpetrator in a hit and run accident, you need to understand that punishment is steep. While it depends on the state the accident occurred, the extent of the damage, any injuries, and your cooperation with authorities, civil and criminal penalties may be forthcoming. These include fines, loss or suspension of your license, insurance or points from the DMV, and possible probation or jail time.

If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, please contact the experienced Oklahoma hit and run lawyers at Carr & Carr Attorneys for legal guidance. Our Oklahoma hit and run attorneys have offices in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Posted by Patti

The first blizzards of the season have already hit areas of the Northeast and northern Great Plains, and snow is already falling in other parts of the country. Add freezing temperatures to areas where it rains, and black ice forms. Then add drivers to the mix, and accidents will happen.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that an overwhelming amount of auto accidents occur during normal weather conditions, but the other two conditions listed are snow/sleet and rain. They consist of roughly ten percent of all accidents. Ten percent doesn’t seem like much, but if you consider that many of these accidents could have been avoided had the driver slowed down or not slammed on their brakes, then this percentage could have been much lower.

Some people who live in areas where snow or ice is likely in the winter are sometimes slow to remember how to drive in these conditions. This is especially true of young drivers and those who have never had to drive in this kind of weather. However, even experienced drivers can lose control on icy roads.

Tips for Driving in Snow and Ice

• Slow down and leave room between you and the vehicle in front of you. You should leave more room than you would on a normal day.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. Take your foot off the brake if your wheels lock up.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other drivers.
• Keep your windshield and lights clean and clear of snow.
• Use low gears to increase traction, especially on slopes.
• Be extremely cautious on bridges, overpasses, or roads where there is little traffic since these will freeze first. Places that are shaded may also remain frozen even if temperatures begin to warm up and thaw out the roads.
• Snow plows and sand trucks have limited visibility, so do not try to pass them. Also, the road ahead of them may be worse, so it’s best to stay behind them where the road is clearer.
• Do not assume that your four-wheel or front-wheel drive vehicle or SUV can handle snow or ice as well as it can in normal conditions. All vehicles can have problems on winter roads.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to another party’s negligent driving on winter roads, please contact the experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyerss at Carr & Carr Attorneys. Our Oklahoma car wreck lawyers have offices in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Posted by Patti