Getting into a car accident in Oklahoma is almost always stressful, but intersection collisions in Tulsa, in particular, often raise complicated questions about fault and your right to compensation. According to the Federal Highway Administration, roughly half of all traffic injuries across the country take place at intersections, making them some of the most hazardous spots on the road.
The good news is that Oklahoma personal injury law generally allows you to pursue a claim for damages against the driver who caused your crash. An experienced Tulsa car accident attorney can walk you through every step of that process, but the information below is a solid place to start.
How Negligence Applies to Oklahoma Intersection Accidents
Your intersection accident claim will most likely center on a negligence cause of action. Under Oklahoma law, every driver owes a duty of care to others on the road, including by obeying traffic signals and yielding when required. If a driver ignores those responsibilities and causes a crash, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries that result.
Several forms of careless behavior commonly lead to intersection crashes, such as:
- Running a red light
- Rolling through a stop sign
- Failing to yield during a left turn
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driver
Oklahoma also follows a modified comparative negligence statute that may apply to your case. In plain terms, this law means that you can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame for the collision. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If your share of responsibility reaches 51 percent or higher, you lose the right to collect damages entirely.
Steps To Take After an Intersection Accident in Oklahoma
Protecting your health and your legal options should be your first concerns after an intersection collision. Keep the following in mind as best as you can:
- Call 911 so that an official police report is created, as this document often plays a central role in your claim.
- Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene. Those statements could be used against you during the claims process.
- Photograph vehicle damage, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries while you are still at the scene.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel all right at first. Certain injuries take hours or even days to produce symptoms, and your medical records will serve as critical evidence.
- Collect contact and insurance information from every driver involved, along with the names of any witnesses.
Taking these steps to gather the necessary evidence early can strengthen your position significantly when it comes time to file your claim.
Contact an Oklahoma Intersection Accident Lawyer With Gorospe Law Group
If you were injured at an intersection in Oklahoma, you may be entitled to substantial compensation from the responsible party. Gorospe Law Group is a trusted personal injury law firm in the area that can help you make the most of your claim.
Our car accident lawyers have 20+ years of experience and have already secured millions of dollars for our clients. Call (918) 965-0208 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.