Oklahoma has some of the most stringent laws regarding car accidents. However, even with stricter regulations, many accidents are reported yearly. Learn how to avoid accidents or handle a car accident when it occurs.
Car accidents statistics
Every year approximately 6 million car accidents take place in the United States. Three million people get injured, and 2 million suffer from disabilities each year due to car accidents. A recent study ranked Oklahoma as the 9th most dangerous state in the nation for car accidents.
Safe driving tips
The best ways to avoid becoming a statistic for auto accidents is to obey traffic laws and practice defensive driving habits. For example, always wear your seatbelt, obey the posted speed limit and never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But taking these measures doesn’t always guarantee your safety. The other driver may not be following the same safety rules.
What to do if you’re in an accident
If you are unfortunate enough to be in a car accident, there are specific steps you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of others:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver
- Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles
- See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured
In Oklahoma, the driver found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for the damages. This rule means that if you are in an accident caused by another driver, you can file a claim with their insurance company to cover the cost of your repairs and medical bills. You can also file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injury or car damages are severe or too expensive. However, if you are taking this route, you have a limited timeline of up to two years from when the accident occurred.
No one wants to be in a car accident, but they occur all too frequently. However, you can reduce the damage and stress by preparing in advance and knowing what to do if an accident happens.