Ylla | Gosney, Attorneys at Law can help you if you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tulsa. You probably have a lot of different questions, but if you’re being blamed for the accident, it can feel scary and overwhelming–since you’re probably also dealing with injuries and other issues. While there’s things you can do, our team will be there to support you through it all. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
What Should I Do If I’m Blamed For a Car Accident I Didn’t Cause?
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough–but when someone points the finger at you, it can make things even more overwhelming. But what should you do if you didn’t cause the accident and are still being blamed? It’s all about painting an accurate picture of what happened–and what you did:
- Don’t say it was your fault – After a collision, it’s natural to want to apologize–even if you didn’t cause it. But just saying “I’m sorry” can be twisted and used against you later. It’s better to avoid saying anything about who might have caused the accident.
- Make sure to call the police – Always call the police and ask for their help at the scene. They’ll usually help you gather details about the cars involved, insurance information, and can even take statements and make conclusions about who they think is at fault or whether traffic laws were broken. It’s an important piece of evidence if someone’s blaming you.
- Take pictures and notes – Use your phone to take pictures of the cars, road conditions, traffic signs, and any injuries. If anyone saw the accident, try to get their name and contact information. It’s also a good idea to write down a timeline while the incident is still fresh in your mind.
- Be careful with insurance – The other driver’s insurance company might call you. They may ask you tricky questions or try to get you to say something that sounds like an admission. You don’t have to talk to them on your own–just let them know you’re getting legal help.
- Get checked out – Even if you feel okay, go to a doctor and get checked out. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Medical records help show that you were hurt and that the accident was serious.
You never want to be in a situation where you’re being blamed for something you didn’t do–especially if it’s a car accident. Taking these steps will help protect you and your claim, but it’s equally important to look at how you might be blamed–and how our team can help you.
How Could I Be Blamed For a Car Accident I Didn’t Cause?
No two car accidents are ever alike in Tulsa, even ones with similar causes. Basically, everything can be open to interpretation, which opens the door for you catching blame even though you weren’t the one that caused it. Here’s a few ways you could be blamed in this situation:
- Not following traffic laws – If someone says you ran a red light, didn’t yield, or were speeding, they may try to claim that you caused the accident–even if the other driver also made mistakes.
- Distracted driving – If there’s any sign you were on your phone, using your GPS, or adjusting the radio, it could be used to paint you as distracted–even when distraction wasn’t the real cause.
- Not signaling – Changing lanes without signaling, drifting, or turning from the wrong lane can be used to shift fault onto you. But context matters: traffic flow, signage, and the other driver’s behavior should all be considered.
- Being the rear driver in a rear-end collision – If you rear-ended someone, you’ll likely be blamed right away. But that doesn’t always mean you’re at fault. Sudden stops, bad brake lights, or the lead driver’s actions can change the situation.
- Comparative negligence – Oklahoma uses what’s called “modified comparative negligence”. That means even if you’re being blamed, you can still file a claim—as long as you’re found to be less than 51% at fault. But your eventual settlement can be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 25% at fault, your financial recovery would drop by 25%.
Just because someone blames you doesn’t mean they’re right. Accidents are complex, and blame often gets assigned too quickly. If you’re being held responsible for a car accident that you didn’t cause in Tulsa, it’s important to push back with facts and your side of the story.
Ylla Gosney Can Help You After a Car Accident in Tulsa
If you’ve been in a car accident in Tulsa and people are saying it was your fault, it’s important to know: you don’t have to go through this alone. Even if you’re not required to have a lawyer, having someone in your corner–especially when blame is involved–can make all the difference. Here’s how we can help you in this situation:
- Gathering the right evidence – We don’t just rely on what the police report says. We go deeper–getting traffic camera footage (if it’s available), photos, witness statements, and medical records. This helps paint a full picture of what actually happened and clears up any false assumptions about your role in the crash.
- Handling the insurance company – If you’re being blamed, insurance adjusters may try to twist your words or push a low settlement. We take over those conversations and push back when they try to shift fault unfairly. Our goal is to make sure your version of events is heard–and that you’re treated fairly.
- Guiding you through the process – If insurance won’t play fair, we’re ready to take the next step. That means preparing and filing your case with the court and handling all the legal details so you don’t have to stress about deadlines, documents, or court procedures.
- Going to court – Not every case goes to trial–but if yours does, we’ll be there. We’ll build your case, bring in experts when needed, and present the strongest argument for why you deserve support–not blame.
Tulsa car accidents aren’t always cut-and-dry. When you’re being blamed unfairly, we focus on proving the truth–through facts, evidence, and strategy. That way, the final outcome reflects what actually happened, not just what someone else claims. Reach out today to set up a free consultation and let us help you through the claims process.
