Ylla | Gosney, Attorneys at Law answers important questions about car accidents in Oklahoma City. When you’re in one, the last thing you want is to be blamed–especially when you’re hurt and didn’t cause the accident itself. But it can happen, and when it does, our team can stand up for you. To learn more, set up a free consultation today.
What Should I Do If I’m Being Blamed For a Car Accident I Didn’t Cause?
Being in a car accident is stressful enough–being blamed for it when it wasn’t your fault just makes it worse. However, it’s actually rare for fault in a car accident to be cut-and-dry. This means there’s a lot of room for interpretation of what happened–and that can open the door for you being blamed. When that happens, here’s what you should do:
- Stick to the facts – When talking to police or insurance adjusters, be honest but don’t guess or accept blame. Even saying something like “I didn’t see them” can be used against you later.
- Gather your own evidence – Photos of the scene, your vehicle, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions can help tell your side of the story. If you didn’t get this at the scene, we can often help track it down after the fact.
- Talk to witnesses – Anyone who saw what happened can back you up. If you didn’t get their info, we may still be able to find them.
- Don’t deal with the insurance company by yourself – If someone’s blaming you, their insurance team may try to twist the story. We step in, take over the communication, and build a case that shows what really happened.
Blame after a car accident can shift quickly–and sometimes unfairly. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself early and get ahead of the narrative. The good news is, fault isn’t just based on who points the finger first. But this raises an important point–how fault is actually determined in the first place.
How is Fault Figured Out After a Car Accident?
No two car accidents in OKC are exactly the same–but in just about every case, the first big question is: Who caused it? Figuring out fault is what sets everything else in motion. To figure it out legally, it’s all about showing negligence. Negligence, in a legal context, means showing that:
- Someone had a duty of care to act in a way that kept you and others safe.
- They neglected that duty.
- This caused the accident in question.
- The accident left you injured or otherwise led to losses.
Once we piece together what happened and why, we can figure out who’s actually responsible for your damages. In most cases, that’s the other driver—but not always. Depending on the circumstances, others might share the blame, including:
- Another driver involved in the accident
- The vehicle’s owner, if they weren’t the one behind the wheel
- A manufacturer, if a defect or malfunction played a role
- A government agency, if unsafe road conditions were a factor
- An employer, if the driver was working or using a company vehicle
At the end of the day, it all depends on the facts. That’s why figuring out what caused the accident–like texting behind the wheel, drunk driving, excessive speed, ignoring traffic laws, or simply driving while tired–is key to determining fault and understanding your options from there.
What Are My Options For a Car Accident Claim in Oklahoma City?
No matter how your car accident happened in Oklahoma City, there’s a legal process meant to help you recover. That process almost always starts–and sometimes ends–insurance. But depending on the situation, you might need to look at other options. Here’s what you can do:
- File an insurance claim – Most cases start with a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurer will investigate and offer a settlement. But these offers are often lower than what your claim is really worth. You don’t have to accept it, and you have the right to negotiate–or challenge it.
- File a lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to give you a fair offer, the next step is a personal injury lawsuit. This brings your case into the courtroom, where a judge or jury can decide what’s fair. While lawsuits can take more time, they often lead to stronger results–especially in serious or high-stakes cases.
The point of either option is to help you recover “damages” like:
- Medical expenses
- Car repair costs
- Lost income from any missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. That might sound like a long time, but the sooner you start, the easier it is to build a strong case.
Contact Ylla Gosney After a Car Accident in Oklahoma City
You don’t always need a lawyer after a crash, especially for minor injuries. But if you’re facing serious harm–or if the other side is unfairly putting blame on you—having experienced lawyers by your side makes a real difference. Here’s how we can help you at Ylla Gosney:
- Explain your options so you clearly understand your rights and the best way forward.
- Gather the evidence that supports your side: medical records, police reports, photos, and witness statements.
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to uncover who’s truly at fault and responsible for damages.
- Handle all talks with insurance companies and opposing parties, making sure you’re treated fairly.
- Represent you in court if negotiations don’t resolve the claim.
Our goal is to take the stress of the legal process off your plate, so you can focus on recovering. And because we work on contingency, there are no upfront fees. If you’re being blamed for an Oklahoma City car accident you didn’t cause, reach out for a free consultation. We’ll help protect your rights and get your story heard.
