Oklahoma drivers must report accidents that involve an injury, a death, or apparent damage of over $300. Law enforcement would need to be called immediately if possible and motorists would later fill out a form for the state’s Department of Public Safety.
If officers respond to the scene of your accident, they will likely be filing an accident report. This might mean you don’t have to file a collision report for the Department of Public Safety. But it’s important to ask the officers if they’ll be creating a report.
Minor accidents don’t have to be reported as long as the involved drivers can work out a resolution themselves. However, it’s always a good idea to officially report any accident to the Department of Public Safety. This creates a record of what happened in case there’s more damage than first thought or an injury arises. A report gives victims some proof of what happened in case an insurance claim must be filed.
How Do I Report an Oklahoma Traffic Collision?
Oklahoma drivers involved in traffic accidents must contact law enforcement if an injury or a fatality results from a collision. This would usually mean the local police, such as the Oklahoma City PD or the Tulsa PD, would be notified by dialing 911. The Highway Patrol and/or the Sheriff’s Department might also be notified.
Drivers must also file a collision report when:
- An accident involves an injury
- An accident involves a fatality
- An accident involves damage to one vehicle of over $300
- The liability for damages from an accident hasn’t been resolved within six months
Remember, drivers must report these sorts of accidents, even if they weren’t the ones who caused collisions or injuries.
Oklahoma traffic law goes into the requirement for drivers in these situations.
Oklahoma Statute 47-10-108.
“A. Except for collisions occurring on private property, the operator of a motor vehicle which is in any manner involved in a collision upon any road, street, highway or elsewhere within this state resulting in bodily injury to or death of any person or in which it is apparent that damage to one vehicle or other property is in excess of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) shall forward a written report of the collision to the Department of Public Safety if settlement of the collision has not been made within six (6) months after the date of the accident and provided that if a settlement has been made a report of the settlement must be made by the parties.”
The Office of Public Safety also makes it clear that drivers must exchange information upon request. Driver’s license, insurance details, and contact information should be provided.
They also recommend that drivers contact their insurance agent and the insurance agent for the other driver as soon as possible after an accident.
Reporting Traffic Accidents in Tulsa and Oklahoma City
If your accident occurs in Tulsa or Oklahoma City, you may also have to report your crash to the city.
After a non-injury accident that a Tulsa police officer doesn’t respond to, you should fill out a collision report here.
After a non-injury accident in OKC not investigated by an Oklahoma City Police Officer, you should report your accident to the non-emergency police number at 405-297-1000.
Punishment for Not Reporting an Oklahoma Accident
Of course, if a driver drives away from the scene of an accident without attempting to gain resolution with the other drivers involved could end up facing hit-and-run charges. These charges can include felonies. Always remain on the scene of an accident to help victims and resolve any liability.
Those who are found guilty of not filing a collision report when they are required to would face a suspended driver’s license or permit.
Oklahoma Statute Section 47-10-114.
“The Commissioner of Public Safety may suspend the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privileges of any person failing to report an accident a collision as herein provided until such report has been filed, and the Commissioner may extend such suspension not to exceed thirty (30) days. Any person convicted of failing to make a report as required herein shall be punished as provided in Section 17-101 of this title.”
Contact An Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
Oklahoma drivers can be distracted by so many different things, and this inattention to the road can lead to devastating collisions. If a reckless motorist strikes you and you are seriously injured, you should speak to a skilled Oklahoma car accident lawyer at Ylla|Gosney. We help victims and their families in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and across the state.
Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. It’s the best way to find out what your case may be worth before you speak to an insurance representative who may tell you something very different.
If you require a pedestrian accident attorney to get the most out of your accident claim, you won’t need any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless your case is won. Then our attorney’s fee comes out of the settlement check an auto insurer must provide to you and your family.
