A driver was injured in an Oklahoma car accident involving a vehicle that failed to remain at the scene of the crash. According to a News9 report, the hit-and-run accident occurred near Britton Road and Shartel Avenue in northwest Oklahoma City. Officials say the hit-and-run driver crashed head-on into the victim’s vehicle. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital with unknown injuries after being freed by the Jaws of Life. Officials believe that alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash. The driver has not been found.
Drivers, who are involved in an accident that resulted in a physical injury or property damage, are required to remain at the crash site, offer assistance, and notify the authorities. Oklahoma Statute 47-10-102 specifically deals with accidents that resulted in a nonfatal injury. The law states: “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in a nonfatal injury to any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident.”
It is a felony to leave the scene of an injury accident in Oklahoma. A conviction will not, however, result in adequate compensation for the victim of the crash. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often have to pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Unfortunately, not all hit-and-run drivers are successfully tracked down and convicted. When a hit-and-run driver is not apprehended, the injured victim may have to pursue compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of his or her own auto insurance policy. A skilled Oklahoma City car accident attorney can help injured victims of hit-and-run crashes pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other damages.
