Tulsa Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Legal help after you’re injured in a hit-and-run in Oklahoma
Being involved in a car accident can be a scary experience. However, when the other driver speeds off and leaves you behind, confused and injured, it adds yet another level of stress. Sadly, hit-and-run accidents happen more often than you think, even right here in Tulsa.
At Biby Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this situation can feel. You may be asking questions like, “Who’s going to pay for my medical bills? How can I get justice if I don’t even know who hit me?” We’re here to help answer those questions. We can walk you through what steps to take immediately after the accident, explain your legal options, and show you how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve, even if the driver is never identified.
How can we help?
- What is a hit-and-run accident?
- What should I do after a hit-and-run in Tulsa?
- What if the driver is never found?
- What is an uninsured motorist claim?
- What is the value of my Tulsa hit-and-run accident?
- What if I were a pedestrian or cyclist?
- Why do I need a Tulsa hit-and-run accident lawyer on my side?
- How long do I have to file a Tulsa personal injury lawsuit?
- Do you have a Tulsa hit-and-run accident lawyer near me?
What is a hit-and-run accident?
A hit and run occurs when a driver causes an accident and then leaves the scene without stopping to give their information or help anyone who may be injured. In Oklahoma, this is a crime. Drivers are legally required to stop, give their name and insurance information, and render aid if someone is injured.
Even though it’s illegal, hit-and-run drivers often flee because they’re afraid of the consequences. They might be driving without insurance, while under the influence, or they may have a warrant out for their arrest. Whatever the reason, it leaves the innocent victim stuck with dealing with the aftermath.
What should I do after a hit-and-run in Tulsa?
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run car accident, your health and safety should come first. Once you’re safe, there are a few important things you should do early on to ensure the best possible outcome.
- First, call 911. This may seem obvious, but it’s still important. Police will come to the scene, take your statement, and file an accident report. This report will become key evidence for your insurance claim and any legal action you might take. They also will likely take the initial steps in attempting to collect evidence as to the identity of the other driver.
- Get medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, you should still get checked out by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, don’t show up right away. And, having a record of your injuries right after the crash will help if you need to file a claim later.
- Try to recall as many details as you can about the car and the driver who hit you. Write down everything you can remember. Even small bits of information can help, like the color of the car, a partial license plate, or in what direction they were headed. Also write down the time and location of the crash, the weather conditions, and anything else that you think might be useful later.
- Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the crash, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can play a big role in tracking down the at-fault driver. While witness information should make it into the police report, don’t leave it to chance---get their names and numbers even if the police are on scene.
- Use your phone to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the road, skid marks, broken parts, and anything else at the scene. These photos can be helpful when you’re filing a claim or trying to prove your case in court.
What if the driver is never found?
This is the biggest fear for many hit-and-run victims. Fortunately, Oklahoma law gives you options even if the at-fault driver is never identified. One of the most important protections is uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If you have UM coverage on your car insurance policy, it can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering – just like if the other driver had been caught and had insurance.
In fact, here in Oklahoma, insurance companies must offer you UM coverage when you purchase a policy. You can reject it, but they have to obtain your rejection in writing. If they didn’t secure your written rejection, you may be entitled to UM coverage.
What is an uninsured motorist claim?
Filing an uninsured motorist claim might seem simple, but it can get complicated quickly. Insurance companies often treat UM claims the same way they treat third party claims against the at-fault driver. They may question your injuries, argue over how the accident occurred, or offer you much less than your case is worth. This is where having an experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer can help. At Biby Law Firm, we can:
- Review your insurance policy to confirm coverage
- Gather and preserve evidence from the scene
- Interview witnesses and collect video footage if available
- Work with your doctors to document the extent of your injuries
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- If necessary, take your case to court
What is the value of my Tulsa hit-and-run accident?
If you’re filing an uninsured motorist claim, or if the driver is later identified, you may be eligible for the following types of compensation after your accident:
- Medical expenses, including ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future care you may need.
- If you missed work because of your injuries, you can recover lost wages. If you’re unable to return to work or have reduced earning capacity, you may be entitled to more.
- Pain and suffering, which covers the physical pain and emotional distress the accident has caused you.
- Property damage, which includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any belongings damaged in the crash.
- If the hit and run driver is caught and their behavior was especially reckless (like drunk driving), additional money may be warranted to deter or punish them. These are called punitive damages.
What if I were a pedestrian or cyclist?
Many hit-and-run accidents in Tulsa involve people walking or biking. If you were hit as a pedestrian or cyclist, you still have legal options. You may be covered under your own auto insurance policy’s UM coverage, even if you weren’t driving at the time. If you don’t have your own policy, it’s possible that you may still qualify for coverage under a family member’s plan. We can help you explore all your options and figure out the best path forward.
Why do I need a Tulsa hit-and-run accident lawyer on my side?
Some people think they can handle an insurance claim on their own. And while that’s possible in minor fender benders, a hit-and-run accident is different.
These cases often involve:
- Complex insurance questions
- Difficult-to-find evidence
- Uncooperative insurance companies
- Serious, long-lasting injuries
You need someone in your corner who knows Oklahoma law and understands how to get results.
At Biby Law Firm, we don’t treat you like just another case number. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and build a strategy that works for your unique situation. We’ve helped many Tulsa residents recover from hit-and-run accidents, and we’re ready to help you too.
How long do I have to file a Tulsa personal injury lawsuit?
In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for personal injury. That may seem like a long time, but waiting too long can hurt your chances. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget what they saw, and the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
It’s best to talk to an experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer as soon as possible so we can start building your case immediately.
Do you have a Tulsa hit-and-run accident lawyer near me?
Biby Law Firm has two Tulsa offices located at 9810 E. 42nd Street, Suite 211, and 6305 E 120th Ct., Suite F, as well as an office in Grove, OK. We also meet clients at their homes or healthcare facilities when necessary, and can conduct video conferences when desired or required by the circumstances. Our lawyers are respected by former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers for our record of strong representation of those who look to us in their time of need.
Injured by a hit-and-run driver? Let Biby Law Firm handle your case
Hit and run accidents are frustrating, painful, and confusing. You may feel like justice will never come. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Biby Law Firm, we’re committed to helping Tulsa residents like you recover physically, emotionally, and financially after a hit and run. We can investigate your case, deal with the insurance company, and fight for every dollar you’re owed. Your consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless you win. That means there’s no risk to calling us and finding out how we can help. Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with a skilled lawyer. We proudly serve the communities of Broken Arrow, Bixby, Claremore, Grove, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Wagoner, Muskogee, and the surrounding areas.