Do you know your legal duties after an Oklahoma car crash? Find out what you need to do to comply with the law.
If you are a driver in Oklahoma, it’s important to know the laws concerning car crashes. You are required by law to take certain steps after an accident, and there can be serious consequences if you fail to meet your legal obligations.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of Oklahoma’s car accident laws so you can confidently handle an automobile collision. You can also read the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Code to learn more.
1. Oklahoma Driver Exchange of Information Law
If you’re involved in an accident that causes injury or property damage in Oklahoma, you must provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the people affected. In addition, if they ask for it, you have to show your driver’s license and security verification form as well.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or damage to any vehicle shall give his correct name, address and registration number of the vehicle he is driving, and shall upon request exhibit his driver license and his security verification form to the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with.
2. Oklahoma Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid
In Oklahoma, the law is clear – if you’re involved in a car accident, you have a legal duty to offer aid to anyone who may be injured. This may include taking them to seek medical treatment, or at least making arrangements for them to get to a hospital.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident shall render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person to a hospital for medical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such carrying is requested by the injured person.
3. Oklahoma Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police
Oklahoma law states that you must immediately notify the local authorities if a car accident results in injury or death. Furthermore, if the crash hurts or kills someone, or the damage to one vehicle exceeds $300, you must send a written report to the Department of Public Safety.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of such accident to the local police department, if such accident occurs within a municipality, or to the office of the county sheriff or the nearest office of the State Highway Patrol.
The operator of a motor vehicle which is involved in a collision resulting in injury or death or in which damage to one vehicle is in excess of $300 shall forward a written report to the Department of Public Safety if settlement of the collision has not been made within 6 months and if a settlement has been made a report of the settlement must be made.
What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Oklahoma?
The failure to report a car crash when the law requires it is a misdemeanor offense in Oklahoma. A first-time conviction can be finished by a $5 to $500 fine or up to 10 days of imprisonment.
It is a misdemeanor for any person to violate any of the provisions of this title unless such violation is by this title or other law of this state declared to be a felony.
Every person convicted of a misdemeanor for a violation of any of the provisions of Sections 10-101 through 14-121 shall upon conviction thereof be punished by a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $500 or by imprisonment for not more than 10 days.
4. Oklahoma Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty
Under Oklahoma law, you must stop immediately at the scene of an accident that damages a vehicle, even if no one is injured. You must then exchange information with the other parties involved in the crash.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene and shall remain at the scene of such accident until he has fulfilled the requirements of Section 10-104 of this title. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in damage to any vehicle shall give his correct name, address and registration number of the vehicle he is driving, and shall upon request exhibit his driver license and his security verification form to the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with.
5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Oklahoma?
If you hit a parked car in Oklahoma, you must immediately stop your vehicle. Then you must either find and notify the owner or leave a written note on the car. Under either scenario, you must provide your name, address, and the information on your security verification form.
The driver of any vehicle which collides with any vehicle which is unattended shall immediately stop and either locate and notify the owner of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking, and provide his security verification form, or leave a written notice.
All drivers in Oklahoma must understand these laws to ensure safe operations on public roads and highways. Failing to fulfill your duties can lead to negative legal consequences, so it’s vital that you learn them before getting behind the wheel.