3 Car Accident Scenarios: Who’s at Fault? Who Pays?
The harsh reality of driving in Oklahoma is that car accidents are bound to happen. No matter how cautious you are, a wrong maneuver, lapse in concentration, or sheer bad luck can leave you dealing with the aftermath of a crash. While all accidents share certain similarities, not all are created equal.
Some accidents involve drivers who flee the scene to evade responsibility. Others lead to multi-vehicle pileups with significant damage and injuries. Even seemingly minor rear-end collisions can have lasting consequences. Knowing how fault is determined and who pays for damages in these situations is critical.
If you’ve been in an Oklahoma car accident, the Tulsa car accident lawyers at Aizenman Law Group are here to help. Our experienced attorneys handle insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful denials. If you’ve suffered serious injuries, our spine injury attorneys and traumatic brain injury lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are among the most common in Oklahoma. These crashes often happen because a driver is following too closely in violation of Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-310 or is distracted—whether by texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. While these collisions are sometimes minor, they can lead to chronic back or neck injuries, making it essential to consult a spine injury attorney if you experience ongoing pain.
Who’s at Fault?
Generally, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered at fault. However, there are exceptions:
- If the lead vehicle’s brake lights weren’t working, violating Okla. Stat. tit. 47, § 12-204.
- If a driver suddenly slams the brakes to cause an accident (a fraudulent practice known as a “swoop-and-squat”).
Oklahoma law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance under Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 7-601, ensuring coverage for property damage and injuries. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, leaving victims with unexpected expenses.
What Should You Do?
- Gather evidence at the scene, including photos, witness statements, and police reports.
- Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
- Contact an Oklahoma car accident lawyer at Aizenman Law Group to protect yourself from insurance claim disputes and wrongful denials.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident can be one of the most frustrating and frightening experiences on the road. Whether the at-fault driver flees due to lack of insurance, legal troubles, or negligence, victims are left in a difficult position.
Who’s at Fault?
Under Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 10-102, § 10-102.1, and § 10-103, Oklahoma drivers must stop at the scene, exchange insurance information, and assist injured parties. Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal and can lead to criminal charges.
Who Pays for Damages?
If the hit-and-run driver isn’t found, victims may have to rely on their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This policy can help cover:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost wages
However, insurance companies may dispute UM claims, arguing lack of proof or questioning the circumstances of the crash. An experienced Tulsa insurance claim lawyer can fight back against these tactics and help track down any available evidence to identify the fleeing driver.
What Should You Do?
- Call 911 immediately and file a police report.
- Gather as much information as possible—take photos, write down details, and look for surveillance cameras nearby.
- Contact Aizenman Law Group for help navigating your insurance claim and exploring your legal options.
Multiple-Vehicle Collisions
Multi-car pileups are complex accidents that typically occur due to a chain reaction—one crash leads to several more. These incidents are common in Oklahoma, especially during severe storms and bad weather.
Who’s at Fault?
Determining fault in multi-vehicle accidents is complicated. Multiple drivers may share comparative fault, meaning more than one person could be responsible.
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Okla. Stat. tit. 23 § 13), meaning you can recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault. If you’re found to be more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovering damages.
Who Pays for Damages?
Each driver involved must comply with Oklahoma law:
- Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 10-114: Requires drivers to exchange information and render reasonable aid.
- Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 17-101: Failing to stop can lead to criminal charges.
Insurance companies will investigate to determine fault and minimize payouts where possible. Given the complexity of these cases, working with a Tulsa car accident attorney is crucial to ensure your rights are protected.
What Should You Do?
- Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine, injuries may appear later.
- Gather evidence, including photos, witness accounts, and dashcam footage.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company without consulting a lawyer.
- Contact Aizenman Law Group for legal guidance and representation.
Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in any of these accident types, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Aizenman Law Group has a team of dedicated Tulsa car accident attorneys and wrongful denial claim attorneys who can investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to trial.
It’s crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and meet legal deadlines. Contact Aizenman Law Group today at 918-215-8856 any time day or night for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
