Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law helps victims of car accidents in Tulsa. If you’ve been in a rear-end car accident, you likely have questions–especially about who’s at fault. While it might seem simple, it isn’t always straightforward. Our experienced car accident lawyers can guide you through the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Who’s At-Fault When There’s a Rear-End Collision?
In most rear-end accidents, the driver who hit you is usually at fault because they were negligent–meaning they didn’t drive safely. But specifically, there’s an actual legal standard in place that tells you who’s at-fault–and liable for paying for your damages. The standard is:
- Showing that the other driver had a duty to drive safely, failed to do so by acting carelessly, and that this negligence directly caused the rear-end accident, leading to your injuries or damages.
But remember, every situation is different. So, depending on the circumstances of your rear-end collision, other people or groups may share some of the blame:
- Pedestrians or passengers – If they suddenly stepped into traffic or distracted the driver, they could be partly to blame for the rear-end crash.
- Vehicle owners – If the car wasn’t properly maintained, like having broken brake lights, the owner might share responsibility for the accident.
- Car or parts manufacturers – If a vehicle defect, like faulty brakes, caused the crash, the manufacturer could be partly at fault.
- Government agencies – If poor road conditions or broken traffic signals contributed to the accident, the responsible government agency might share blame.
In Oklahoma, you can file a claim against anyone who contributed to the accident. While this can make the process more complex, it can also help you get the financial support you’re going to need to get better. But that also requires doing certain things after the accident happens.
What Should You Do to Protect Your Claim After a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end accident in Tulsa can happen quickly, and dealing with the aftermath isn’t always easy. No matter how minor or serious the crash, following these steps can help protect your claim:
- Get to safety – Move away from traffic and call 911 for medical help, even if you feel fine. EMTs can spot injuries you might not notice right away. They’ll also get your treatment started and can take you to a hospital if it’s more serious.
- Call the police – Make sure local law enforcement, like the Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), or the county sheriff’s department, is alerted and can respond to the scene. They’ll help clear everything out and can also help you get important information from others involved.
- Collect evidence – Take photos of the scene, the damage to your vehicle, any injuries, and other vehicles involved. Get contact information from witnesses in case their statements are needed.
- Keep good records – Keep track of all medical visits, insurance communications, and any related expenses. These will be important for your claim.
- Be cautious with what you say – Stick to the facts when talking about the accident. Insurance companies may try to twist your words, so don’t admit fault or say anything else that might hurt your claim. Also, avoid posting about the crash on social media.
By following these steps, you’ll make your claim stronger and show you’ve handled the situation properly. When you’re ready to take legal action, our team will be here to help.
How Will Ylla Gosney Help You After a Rear-End Collision in Tulsa?
After a rear-end accident in Tulsa, having a lawyer can make all the difference. Our team at Ylla Gosney has the experience to guide you through the process and help you recover. Here’s how we’ll help you:
- Investigating the accident – We’ll look into what caused the crash and gather all the facts.
- Gathering evidence – We’ll help organize the photos, witness statements, and other evidence you collect, then put everything together for a compelling case.
- Consulting experts and witnesses – We’ll work with professionals to strengthen your case.
- Building a strong claim – Whether with insurance or in court, we’ll prepare your case to maximize your recovery.
Every case is unique, so we customize our approach based on your needs, letting you focus on healing while we handle the legal details. A big part of that process is determining who’s at fault, but again, it’s a highly stressful situation to be in. You and your family don’t have to deal with injuries and financial strain by yourself. If you’ve been hurt in a rear-end collision in Tulsa, our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.