Ylla | Gosney represents victims injured in a hit-and-run accident. A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver hits another driver and causes an injury or property damage, and leaves the scene of the accident without leaving their information. At Ylla | Gosney, we help injured hit-and-run victims receive compensation for medical bills, missed time at work, mental trauma, and potential punitive damages.
Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. We’ll go over your legal rights and help you receive the maximum amount of compensation after being injured in a hit-and-run accident.
Hit and Run Laws in Oklahoma
Driver’s are required by law to stop and provide their information after an accident. Information includes name, contact information, and insurance information, according to Title 47, Section 10-103 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Penalties include:
- Property Damage Only (Misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $500, or both.
- Non-fatal Injury (Felony): 10 days, up to 2 years in prison, fine includes $50-$1000 and license revocation.
- Fatal Injury (Felony): 1 to 10 years in prison, fine of $1000 – $10,000
What to Do After a Hit and Run Car Accident
The steps you take after a car accident will be important to ensuring you and your passengers’ safety, as well as protecting your right to compensation if you decide to take legal action. After a hit-and-run car accident, you should:
- Ensure the safety of you and your passengers: Depending on the situation, this could mean moving your car to the side of the road, or if you are severely injured, it could mean remaining where you are until help arrives. Check yourself for burns, lacerations, or broken bones. Oftentimes, the adrenaline from an accident can mask the pain from major injuries.
- Call the Police: The police will file an accident report and take down information about the incident, as well as assign fault based on the evidence in front of them. A police report will serve as evidence if you need to back up your claims later.
- Document the incident: Take photos or film the aftermath of the bus accident. Film yourself recounting the details of the incident and describe the pain you’re in. It is best to capture how the accident played out while the memory is still fresh in your mind.
- Gather witness statements and information: Film or record witnesses willing to give a statement about the accident. Take down their names and phone numbers. Take down the contact information. All of this information will help support your claim and assist your attorney in building your case if you end up taking legal action.
- Do NOT admit fault: Don’t admit fault even if you feel you may have caused the accident. Allow the police to conduct their investigation and determine fault.
- Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a doctor or go to a hospital. Certain injuries can lie dormant and manifest themselves hours, or even days later.
- Notify your insurance of the accident: Notifying your insurance of the accident is typically a part of any auto insurance policy. Failing to report an accident can result in a dismissal of your policy agreement, depending on the contract you signed with your insurance company.
- Contact Ylla Gosney: If you consult with one of our attorneys after a hit-and-run car accident in Tuttle, we can manage your claim and ensure you are taking the proper legal actions to receive compensation and protect yourself from liability.
What is the Average Settlement for a Tuttle Hit and Run Car Accident?
If you are not found at fault for the accident, then you are entitled to whatever settlement amount you and the insurance company agree upon. It is important to note that insurance companies are looking out for their business, not your well-being. So, the best way to maximize your settlement amount is to partner with a personal injury attorney. It is important to know that there is no average car accident settlement, as the details of each incident vary on a case-by-case basis. However, the following factors will play a large part in determining the total value of your vehicle accident:
- Severity of injuries: These can be broken down into 3 tiers, with Tier 3 being the most severe.
- Tier 1: Minor, non-surgical injuries such as strains, sprains, and contusions.
- Tier 2: Deep lacerations, broken or fractured bones that require surgical intervention
- Tier 3: Traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, resulting in temporary or permanent function loss
- Insurance coverage: the extent of the at-fault party’s insurance policy
- Lost income: Total amount of lost wages, which were a direct result of the injuries sustained from the accident.
- Medical Expenses: Medical expenses incurred from your injuries and any future medical treatments you may expect to have.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional stress, trauma, and anxiety caused by how much your life has changed since the accident.
What Factors Could Decrease My Hit and Run Car Accident Settlement?
Understanding the factors that can potentially harm your case is essential to knowing the value of your lawsuit. While an attorney at Ylla Gosney will be able to highlight the reasons you deserve to be compensated, we will also work aggressively to protect you from the factors that could reduce your compensation. These include:
- Comparative negligence: if you are found partially at fault, your settlement can be reduced or eliminated if you’re found more than 49% at fault for the accident.
- Pre-existing conditions: pre-existing medical conditions unrelated to the accident could complicate and potentially decrease the settlement.
- Lack of strong evidence: the inability to prove the liable party’s fault or carelessness in the accident can undermine your case and reduce your settlement.
- Delayed medical treatment: delays in seeking medical treatment after the accident may count against you as it implies your injuries were not that severe
- Inconsistent statements: inconsistencies in your statement or re-telling of the incident can hurt your credibility and diminish settlement prospects
What is Considered Reckless Driving in Tuttle
Oklahoma Law deems reckless driving whenever a driver engages in a careless manner without regard for the safety or property of another person, according to Statute 47-11-901. In Oklahoma, reckless driving is a more serious charge than speeding. In certain cases, reckless driving is obvious. For example, drunk driving or a hit-and-run accident. In other instances, the term “reckless” may be up to the interpretation of a police officer or judge.
Speeding can also be considered reckless driving if a driver’s speed exceeds more than 20 MPH above the posted speed limit. For example, if a driver is caught going 90 MPH in a posted 65 MPH zone.
Contact Ylla Gosney | Tuttle Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run car accident in Tuttle, Ylla Gosney can help. Our team of experienced accident attorneys will aggressively pursue liable parties for the full extent of your damages. Even though we’ve helped thousands of injured victims receive a fair settlement after a car accident, we treat each client with a custom legal plan that best fits their situation. Get started today by contacting us for a free consultation and case evaluation.