Auto Accident
Woman Injured in Oklahoma City DUI Crash
A man and a woman had to be extricated from their vehicles after being involved in an Oklahoma City car accident that may have involved a drunk driver. According to a News9.com report, the DUI (driving under the influence) crash occurred at Hefner Road and Council Road in Oklahoma City. Officials say a 49-year-old man was under the influence when he crashed his Red Camaro into a second vehicle.
He suffered internal bleeding and had to undergo surgery. The woman in the other vehicle was taken to the hospital in unknown condition. The man who officials said caused the Oklahoma City car crash was charged with felony driving under the influence of alcohol with great bodily injury, DUI, speeding, reckless driving, and disregarding a signal light.
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Documenting Damages is Crucial to your Personal Injury Claim
Oklahoma car accident victim lawyers know that it is all too common for insurance companies to offer inadequate settlements that do not fully cover the damages and losses suffered by a crash victim. If you have been hurt in an Oklahoma car accident, it is crucial that you carefully document your losses and that you contact a skilled attorney who can help you pursue fair compensation.
Every loss that is directly related to an accident should be included in a personal injury claim. In order to get monetary support for your losses, you will need to have documentation of every expense. Make sure you save receipts and invoices from your mechanic if you had your car repaired, as well as all medical bills. You should also request a copy of your medical records. If your doctor has informed you that you will need continued medical treatment, such as rehabilitation services or surgery, you need to keep a log of those expenses as well. You should also keep track of the number of days you missed work as you healed from your accident-related injuries.
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Oklahoma City Hit-and-Run Crash Involves Speed and Alcohol Officials Say
An 18-year-old man was arrested after crashing into an SUV and leading police on a high-speed chase. According to a KOCO news report, the hit-and-run accident occurred on Harrah Road in Oklahoma City. Officials say the young driver was intoxicated when he crashed into an SUV, causing it to flip upside down on the shoulder of the road. It is not clear what injuries the male driver of the SUV suffered in the rollover. The driver than led police on a chase at speeds of up to 100 mph before being arrested. The authorities described him as being extremely intoxicated when they apprehended him.
It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident when someone has suffered an injury. According to Oklahoma Statute 47-10-102, “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.”
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Man Killed in Oklahoma DUI Rollover Accident
A 41-year-old Springdale man was killed in an Oklahoma car accident when he was ejected from a rolling vehicle. According to a KFSM news report, the fatal car accident occurred on Highway 112 in Cameron. Officials say that alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident. The vehicle, driven by a 28-year-old man, ran off the right side of the road and rolled twice. The fatally injured victim was ejected through the rear window. The driver and another 28-year-old man were treated for minor injuries.
Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol put themselves, their passengers, and other commuters in peril. That is why it is a serious offense in Oklahoma to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Under Oklahoma Statute 47-761, “Any person who operates a motor vehicle while his ability to operate such motor vehicle is impaired by the consumption of alcohol, or any other substance, other than alcohol, which is capable of being ingested, inhaled, injected or absorbed into the human body and is capable of adversely affecting the central nervous system, vision, hearing, or other sensory or motor functions,” is subject to fines and potential imprisonment.
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What Should You Do Immediately after an Oklahoma Car Accident?
Oklahoma City car accident lawyers are often asked about the steps that must be taken immediately after a crash. If you have been involved in a collision, it is important to take several actions in order to protect your rights.
First, it is vital that you file an official report with the police agency that responds to the collision. Do not admit fault. Merely state the facts.
It is important that you obtain the name, address, insurance information, vehicle license number, and driver’s license information for all parties involved in the accident. Also, if there is anyone who witnessed the incident, make sure that you obtain contact information for those individuals as well. If you have a disposable camera or a cell phone camera, photograph the accident scene including all the vehicles involved and injuries sustained.
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Internal Injuries Commonly Sustained in Oklahoma City Car Accidents
Immediately following an Oklahoma car accident, it is important to assess the situation and determine if anyone was hurt. If someone is bleeding or complaining of pain, you must notify the authorities and remain at the scene of the crash. Many injuries, such as lacerations and bone fractures, are readily apparent in the wake of a crash. There are a number of injuries, however, that are internal and much more difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, internal injuries often go unnoticed until after they have already caused substantial harm.
There are many ways in which drivers and passengers can suffer internal injuries. Occupants who are not wearing a seatbelt may be thrown within the vehicle upon impact, while properly secured passengers may suffer severe trauma when the seatbelt holds them in place. Others may be struck by a seat, windshield, dashboard, parts from another vehicle, or a flying object.
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Driving Tips for a Safe and Happy Oklahoma New Year
This holiday season, the roadways in Oklahoma may be treacherous. This should not, however, discourage you from traveling to friends and family to celebrate the holiday season. Here are a few driving tips to help keep you and your family safe during the busy holiday travel season.
First, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is in proper working order. Check that your tires are properly inflated and that the vehicle’s fluids are all topped off. When driving, adjust your speed relative to the roadway conditions. If it is wet or icy, slow down and give yourself more time to stop. When on ice, either hold your anti-lock brakes firmly or pump your brakes if you do not have an anti-lock feature. Also, if you see a vehicle behaving erratically, keep your distance.
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What Types of Fractures are Commonly Suffered in Car Accidents?
Broken bones are some of the most common injuries sustained by victims of auto accidents in Oklahoma. Broken bone injuries or fractures often result in significant pain and require continued treatment and care including physical therapy, the cost of which can add up very quickly.
There are a number of different types of bone fractures. A displaced fracture is when the bone snaps into two or more parts and moves so that the ends are no longer lined up. In a non-displaced fracture, the bone cracks, but it does not move from its proper alignment. A closed fracture is when the bone breaks but there is no puncture of the skin. An open fracture is when the bone breaks through the skin.
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Preventing Oklahoma Car Accidents this Thanksgiving
Whether you are traveling long or short distances to celebrate with family and friends, remember that holiday driving can be treacherous. The week of Thanksgiving is particularly dangerous as it is always one of the busiest weeks of the year for travel. There are steps, however, that you can take to keep yourself and others safe from Oklahoma car accidents this holiday.
If you are driving to and from Thanksgiving parties, do not drink. It only takes a couple glasses of wine to affect your cognitive and physical abilities. If you feel the slightest buzz from alcohol, you are not safe to drive. Similarly, if you notice a vehicle in front of you that is swerving, drifting, or moving erratically, keep your distance and call the authorities.
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Police Arrest Driver Responsible for Shawnee Hit-and-Run Accident
On September 26, a young girl suffered serious injuries in a Shawnee, Oklahoma car accident involving a hit-and-run vehicle. According to a recent KOCO news report, a juvenile has been charged in connection with that hit-and-run crash. The young victim of the accident sustained multiple facial fractures, skull fractures, swelling on the brain, double vision, and a broken tibia and fibula. It is not clear at this time if the juvenile responsible for the Shawnee hit-and-run accident will be charged as an adult for leaving the scene of the crash.
It is a felony to leave the scene of an accident when someone has been injured. According to Oklahoma Statute 47-10-102, “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.”
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