Michael Carr, Author at Carr & Carr Injury Attorneys

What To Do After a Car Accident in Oklahoma

You’re driving through Oklahoma City on a typical weekday. The sun is shining and you’re heading to work, maybe running a few minutes late but feeling good about the day ahead. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another car swerves into your lane and collides with your vehicle.

The impact is jarring, and your mind races as you come to a stop. Adrenaline surges through your body, making it hard to think clearly, but you feel pain in your neck and back. You’re not sure what to do next, but you know that the steps you take in these moments are critical for your safety and for your ability to file a future personal injury claim.

Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time, and the experience is often overwhelming. Knowing what to do immediately after an accident can make a big difference in how smoothly you can handle the situation, from ensuring everyone’s safety to dealing with insurance claims and potential legal issues. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to what you should do after a car accident in Oklahoma, making a stressful situation a bit more manageable.

Ensure Safety and Call for Help

After a car accident, the priority should be ensuring safety. Begin by checking yourself and others involved for any physical injuries. If you find any, even if they seem minor, call 911 immediately. Some injuries may not be immediately visible but can have serious consequences if left untreated. The adrenaline and shock of the accident can sometimes mask pain or other symptoms, making it even more crucial to get professional medical attention right away.

Once you’ve confirmed that everyone is safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe location (if possible) to prevent further accidents or traffic congestion. Remember to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation. This can help prevent additional accidents and ensure that oncoming traffic is aware of the stopped vehicles. If you have safety cones or flares, use them to further increase visibility, especially if it’s dark or the weather conditions are poor.

Contact Law Enforcement

Oklahoma law mandates that drivers must promptly inform their local police department, the county sheriff’s office, or the State Highway Patrol of any car accident that results in death or injury. This step is critical because law enforcement officers will create an official report that documents the incident. This accident report can be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims and any potential legal actions: it serves as an official record that can support your version of events if there are disputes about what happened.

When the officers arrive, provide them with accurate information about the accident. Stick to the facts of what happened without embellishing or omitting details. It’s also important to avoid speculating about the cause of the accident or admitting fault at the scene. Saying things like “I didn’t see the other car” or “I think I was speeding” can be interpreted as an admission of fault and might complicate matters later.

The determination of fault should be left to the insurance companies and your car accident lawyer based on the evidence collected. They will analyze the police report, witness statements, photographs, and any other available evidence to determine who was at fault.

Document the Scene

Gathering information at the scene is essential. Collect names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers involved, along with insurance information from all drivers. Note the license plate numbers and descriptions of the vehicles, including make, model, and color. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well. Don’t forget to obtain the police officer’s name and badge number for your records.

Using your smartphone, you should also take photos of the traffic accident scene, including skid marks, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. These photos can serve as crucial evidence for your accident claim and any legal proceedings that might follow. When you have time, jot down notes about the accident while the details are fresh in your mind. Include information such as the time and date, weather conditions, and a brief description of how the accident occurred.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. The sooner you inform them, the quicker they can begin processing your auto accident claim. When you contact them, provide all the necessary details about the collision, including the date, time, location, and the other parties involved. If you have any photos of the scene, damage to the vehicles, or any injuries, share these as well, as they can be crucial pieces of evidence.

Be honest in all your communications with them, providing a factual account of the accident without embellishing or leaving out details. However, it’s important to avoid admitting fault, either explicitly or implicitly, as this determination will be made later based on the collected evidence and assessments by the insurance companies and lawyers.

They may ask you to provide a written or recorded statement- speak to an experienced car accident attorney before complying. Oklahoma follows the comparative negligence rule, where your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and many insurance providers look for evidence of wrongdoing to reduce or even eliminate your financial compensation: a degree of fault over 49% can prevent you from seeking a settlement.

Your insurer will likely assign an adjuster to your case who will evaluate the damage to your vehicle, review the police report, and potentially speak with witnesses. Keep all your communications with the insurance company professional and organized. Document your conversations, including the names of the representatives you speak with and the information you provide. This documentation can be helpful if there are any disputes or follow-up questions later in the process.

Keep Records

Maintain detailed records of everything related to the auto accident. Start by keeping all medical records, including initial evaluations, follow-up visits, prescriptions, and any specialist consultations. These records will help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the necessary treatments, providing a clear picture of your medical expenses.

You should also gather repair estimates for the property damage to your vehicle. Obtain multiple estimates from certified mechanics or repair shops to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of the costs. Keep all related receipts, including those for any immediate repairs made to keep your vehicle operational and safe. If you need a rental car while your vehicle is being fixed, save all rental car receipts.

Document any other accident-related expenses incurred. This can include transportation costs if you have to use alternative methods to get to work or appointments, costs for medical devices or equipment, and any out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident. Keeping a detailed log of these expenditures will help you accurately report them to your insurance company and ensure you are fully compensated.

Get Legal Advice From an Experienced Accident Attorney

If you’re facing significant damages, injuries, or disputes with your insurance company, it is highly advisable to consult a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can explain the legal implications of the motor vehicle accident, what compensation you may be entitled to, and the best course of action to take.

A car accident attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. These providers often aim to minimize payouts, and having a skilled negotiator can be a huge advantage. Your lawyer will handle communications with the insurance adjusters, ensuring that your case is presented clearly and that all necessary documentation is provided. They can challenge any lowball offers and work to secure a settlement that fairly reflects the extent of your damages and injuries.

Moreover, if the insurance company disputes your claim or refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can represent you in court. Legal representation is a huge advantage if your case goes to trial, as your lawyer will have the experience and legal acumen needed to present evidence, question witnesses, and make compelling arguments to the judge or jury. An attorney can also manage all the procedural aspects of a personal injury lawsuit, from filing the necessary paperwork to meeting critical deadlines.

In addition to these primary roles, a personal injury lawyer can also assist with other important aspects of your case. They can help gather additional evidence, such as obtaining traffic camera footage, securing expert witness testimony, or reconstructing the motor vehicle accident scene. This thorough approach can strengthen your case and improve your chances of a positive result.

Furthermore, a lawyer can guide you on the long-term implications of your injuries and damages. They can help you account for future medical care, rehabilitation costs, lost earning potential, and other long-term consequences in your claim. This forward-thinking approach ensures that your settlement or court award covers not just immediate expenses but also future needs.

Addressing Medical Bills

Ensure all your medical attention expenses are documented and submitted to your insurance company. If the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover all your medical bills, your health insurance may cover the remaining costs. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and follow-up care.

Continue to monitor your health in the weeks and months following the accident, as some injuries may have delayed symptoms. Additionally, consider seeking support from a mental health professional if you’re struggling with emotional distress related to the accident.

Questions? Get a Free Consultation From an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the consequences of a car accident can be challenging, but knowing the right steps to take can make the situation more manageable. From ensuring immediate safety to handling insurance claims and understanding legal considerations, each step is vital in protecting your rights and securing the fair compensation you deserve.

At Carr & Carr, we have extensive experience handling car accident cases and can provide the legal support you need during this difficult time. With offices in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, we are well-positioned to assist you no matter where you are in the state. Our dedicated attorneys will help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. For more information or to schedule your initial consultation, call our law firm at 918-201-0423.

Can You Sue for Loss of Enjoyment of Life in Oklahoma?: Answers and Next Steps for Your Case

A rear-end collision on I-44 leaves you with a herniated disc. Months later, the physical therapy ends and you return to work, but everything has changed. You can’t lift your grandchildren without pain. Weekend hikes with friends are impossible. The woodworking hobby that brought you peace sits abandoned in your garage. Your life looks functional from the outside, but the activities that gave it meaning are gone.

Blanket & Coat Drive

For 50 years, Carr and Carr Attorneys have worked hard in our communities to serve all of Oklahoma. This winter is going to be cold, and we want to help our communities stay warm. There is a great need to assist our unsheltered neighbors.

Today – February 9, we are accepting blankets and coats at our Oklahoma City office (SW 89^th Street, between Penn and Western), and at our Tulsa office (44^th and Harvard). Please bring by your donations and help us help our neighbors when they need it the most.

We have partnered with City Care in Oklahoma City.

Supportive Communities Program with City Care and Night Shelter is for people who have or are currently transitioning out of homelessness and into housing. Over the last 24 years, City Care has built 115 units of permanent supportive housing for our neighbors transitioning out of homelessness. These peer-supported communities are empowering our residents to use their lived experiences to encourage others. Residents have access to case support advocates who help them remain stably housed by focusing on increasing life skills, income, managing health needs, and rebuilding healthy support systems.

We have partnered with Tulsa Day Center in Tulsa.

Tulsa Day Center’s priority is seeing to a client’s basic needs: shelter, food, clothing, and bathing. They offer rapid rehousing services, emergency shelter, medical assistance, and legal aid to help ensure all of those needs can be met. We envision a future where every Tulsan has a home.

Susan G. Komen | More Than Pink Walk

Help us reach our goal of $2,000 for Susan G Komen this October!

Carr and Carr proudly donated $1,000! Will you collectively help match it?

Your support is helping SGK save lives and get one step closer to a world without breast cancer.

You can also join us walking in the More Than Pink Walk, this Saturday, October 21 at 8am at Bicentennial Park – Oklahoma City. Our team will be in the bright pink shirts.

Donate

BOOHAHA on Brookside

Join us at BOOHAHA on Brookside – Saturday, October 21. Walk Brookside and see all the Boo’s and Ha’s with us!

Carr & Carr Attorneys will be at the KJRH studios from 9am-noon, parade starts at 11am.

We will have candy and goodies for everyone!

Outstanding Young Lawyer Award and President’s Award – Billy Duncan

We are proud to announce that our newest associate lawyer, Billy Duncan, has received two very prestigious awards, the Tulsa County Bar Association Outstanding Young Lawyer Award and President’s Award. We are very happy to have Billy on our team at Carr and Carr Attorneys at Law. Below is the notice of the award given by the Tulsa County Bar Association.

Billy Duncan is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award.

Billy has been active in the Young Lawyers Division for several years, and this year, he assisted TCBA President Philip Hixon in creating a stand-alone Young Lawyers Board. Not only did he help with the development of its by-laws, but he also served as Chairman of the Board. Billy recruited and encouraged young lawyers to get more active in sections and committees. Billy also helped coordinate the YLD activities like the bowling and softball leagues and the wine-tasting competition that raised $1,000 for the Tulsa County Bar Foundation. In addition to these additional duties, Billy also participated in and completed the first YLD Leadership Academy.

Billy is a 2015 graduate of the University of Tulsa Law School. While there, he served as the vice president and delegate of the Student Bar Association, Director of the Board of Advocates, President of the Military Law Society, and Social Chair at Phi Delta Phi. He has interned at BDO, Tulsa County Das Office, Barrister Padraic Dwyer in Dublin, Ireland, and Wagoner County DAs Office.

Billy Duncan served as the first President of the TCBA’s Young Lawyer Division, which replaced the Young Lawyers Committee at the beginning of this year. Billy met with President Philip Hixon and Tami Williams several times during the summer of 2022 prior to the beginning of President Hixon’s term to discuss the new Young Lawyers Division. Billy was tasked with developing new bylaws for the YLD board of directors, which he did without complaint. The bylaws were completed in time for approval at the first board meeting of the new fiscal year. With his position, he became an ex officio member of the Executive Committee and attended additional meetings, again, without complaint. Billy ably led the YLD in its first year, introducing new events and projects and setting precedent for future YLD leadership. He was also a participant in the inaugural class of the YLD Leadership Academy. Billy was an important part of a successful year for the YLD and the TCBA.

Billy’s work experience included the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, LaCourse Law, Stratton Law, and BDO USA, LLP.

Billy is passionate about encouraging other young lawyers to participate in the Tulsa County Bar Association. Whether participating in TCBA activities or spending time with his wife Amanda and two daughters, Presley (5) and Zoey (3), he believes investing in the next generation is essential to the bar’s future and our community.

Michael Carr Discusses Dog Bite Incidents

Host: Well, if you are a dog owner, you may wonder what your responsibility would be if your dog bit someone. Michael Carr joins us today to tell us what we should do in that situation. Good morning, Michael. And I feel bad because we literally just showed a dog on here that’s up for adoption at the Tulsa SPCA, and then we talk about dog bites. This dog did not bite anybody, so we’ll clarify that right off the bat. But if you do have a dog that gets out of a fence or somebody comes over, you know, a repairman of some sort and the dog bites them, what kind of responsibility do you have as a homeowner?

Michael Carr: Right, well, it’s good to know what the law is in Oklahoma with respect to dog bites because Oklahoma actually does have one of the stricter laws when it comes to what a dog owner could be responsible for. So in Oklahoma, if you have a dog and the dog bites someone, then you are strictly liable for the damages the dog causes, no matter what. Except there are a couple of exceptions. One would be if someone provokes the dog and causes the dog to bite them. In that instance, the dog owner would not be responsible. But otherwise, the dog owner would be on the hook for whatever the damages are.

Host: Okay, so I watch enough Judge Judy every now and then to see there’s a lot of dog bite cases that they have on there. They’re always kind of weird when somebody else is at fault. You mentioned if you were provoking the dog, but if somebody, let’s say some kids go through your yard, if your yard’s fenced in, your dog’s back there, and some kids are trying to cut through to another yard and they climb over the fence, are you liable in a case like that?

Michael Carr: Well, so you would only be liable if the person who is injured is at the location they’re entitled to be at. So, for example, you took the example of maybe a trespasser. If someone sneaks onto your property and they don’t have a right to be there, and your dog is simply protecting you and your property, then no, you would not be responsible for the injuries the dog bites. You’re only responsible if the dog bites someone where the other person’s lawfully there. So, for example, if you’re at a dog park or something, if you’re on a walk and your dog suddenly bites someone walking next to you, on that occasion, yes, the dog owner would be responsible unless, of course, the pedestrian somehow startles the dog and provokes the dog to bite them.

Host: Now, what are you entitled to if you are bitten by a dog? If you’re the person who’s on a walk and a dog gets off leash and bites you, or if you’re in your own neighborhood and someone’s dog is not on a leash and it bites you, what are you entitled to?

Michael Carr: So, under Oklahoma law, you’ve been entitled to various things. If you’ve been bitten by a dog and you have to go get medical care, well, you’re gonna have medical expenses. And if that happens, then yes, you would be entitled to your medical expenses and any future medical expenses you might need. If you miss time from work because of this, you’d be entitled to your lost wages. It also affords just the pain of suffering from getting bit by a dog. It’s not something to be taken lightly, and the court would allow you to ask for compensation for the pain and suffering that you’ve gone through because of the dog bite.

Host: Okay, so when is it time to call a lawyer in a case like that? Is that as soon as it happens or wait and see how bad it is?

Michael Carr: Well, the law in Oklahoma is not always crystal clear. So if you’ve been injured by a dog and you’re not really sure what you might be entitled to, then yes, give us a call here at Carr & Carr. We’re able to provide you with a free consultation and let you know what you might be entitled to.

Host: All great information. Thank you so much. We appreciate all the information. We’re going to tell folks how to get in touch with you. Thank you, Michael. All right, Carr & Carr, 4416 South Harvard Avenue. Give them a call if you have questions at 918-747-1000 or you can go to their website at www.carrcarr.com. They’re also on Facebook.

Scott Carr Discusses Traumatic Brain Injuries

Watch as Scott Carr, Attorney at Law, discusses traumatic brain injuries with Good Day Tulsa.

The 3 main symptoms that we observe are:

Physical symptoms: you can have many physical symptoms from a TBI such as headaches, vision issues, blurry vision, double vision, ringing in your ears, fatigue, and loss of balance or coordination.
Cognitive symptoms: a person suffering from a TBI might be more forgetful or have difficulty concentrating and sometimes they have brain fog or lack of sharpness. They don’t have the same mental capacity as they did before.
Emotional symptoms: most suffering from a TBI don’t feel like the same person as they were before. They may be more irritable or may have a personality change. They may feel anxious or depressed.

Can you get a traumatic brain injury without something physically hitting your head?

A violent jostling or jarring of the head is enough to cause a TBI. The brain has a soft almost gelatinous-like consistency and the inside of the skull has a number of sharp and bony edges. If you have a whiplash type of event, the brain can move within the skull. Those sharp, bony ridges can damage the brain and lead to hemorrhages or bleeding.

Can you have a TBI without it showing up on a CT Scan or MRI in the ER?

The goal of a CT Scan in the ER is to determine if you are someone who needs emergency brain surgery, not to determine if you have another type of TBI that will affect you long-term.

If you have been injured, our Oklahoma traumatic brain injury lawyers can help. Contact the Oklahoma personal injury office near you in Oklahoma City or Tulsa for a free consultation.

Carr & Carr Personal Injury Attorneys – Celebrating 50 Years

Thank you, Tulsa and Oklahoma City for 50 Years

We had the pleasure of working with Good Day Tulsa to help us celebrate three generations of Carrs who have worked hard to protect and serve the Oklahoma City and Tulsa communities for 50 years.

Pat and Michael Carr, along with their support staff are also involved with many local non-profit organizations through events, contributions, and sponsorships.

Carr & Carr is the preferred personal injury law firm in OKC and Tulsa. If you or someone you love has a personal injury case, contact Carr & Carr for a free consultation.

Carr and Carr Attorneys Help Grieving Children

Carr and Carr Attorneys of Oklahoma City and Tulsa are pleased to partner with Calm Waters, an Oklahoma City community organization dedicated to helping children grieve the loss of a loved one, on a Holiday gift-giving community initiative. We are asking for your help in a toy drive this November and December. Drop off your toys this November and December at Carr and Carr Attorneys at 1350 SW 89th St. Oklahoma City, or at Calm Waters at 501 N. Walker in Oklahoma City.

The Calm Waters mission is to help children and families in their grief journey caused by death, divorce, or other significant loss.

The Calm Waters vision is to be the leading provider of grief support services for children and families throughout Central Oklahoma, serving as a safe place for those who have experienced a loss to receive grief resources, peer support, and hope for the future. Calm Waters will be recognized as the expert on grief and trauma as it relates to loss, using research-based curriculum and programming.

Since 1973 Carr and Carr Attorneys have served the Oklahoma community. We hope you will join us and donate to help our children. Thank you, Oklahoma City, KFOR and Calm Waters!

Carr and Carr’s 3^rd annual Turkey Trot 5k to Raise Shoes and Funds for Tulsa Day Center

2022 TURKEY TROT TULSA
DONATE YOUR SHOES TO THE HOMELESS

Carr & Carr Attorneys is donating $10 to Tulsa Day Center for each of the first 250 pairs of shoes donated at packet pickup.

Each year Tulsans gather on the day after Thanksgiving and run a 5k or a 1 mile fun run in downtown Tulsa. Join us this year as Carr and Carr partners with Fleet Feet to raise shoes and money for the Tulsa Day Center. Gently used or new shoes will be collected at Fleet Feet or Carr and Carr leading up to the race or on the day of the race.

Please help us give back to our community!

Click here to register!

Talk with a lawyer before talking with an insurance company

In the days following an Oklahoma car wreck, you are almost certain to be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. While many of these representatives are pleasant when speaking with you, the fact that you are receiving phone calls from an insurance company you do not do business with asking about your car crash can be unnerving. For some car crash victims, they respond to this situation by hiring an attorney to represent them: once an attorney has been hired, any questions the insurance company may have are directed to the victim’s attorney. Continue reading “Talk with a lawyer before talking with an insurance company”

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