By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed June 10, 2024
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According to the Highway Safety Office, more than 70,000 car accidents occur in Oklahoma each year. Most are the result of speeding or distracted driving. Since statistics show that most people will be in a car accident at some time in their lives, it’s important to know what to do after a crash occurs. This includes understanding your basic responsibilities for car accident reporting in Oklahoma.
The chart below summarizes Oklahoma law and the procedure for submitting a car crash report.
State Accident Statutes |
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|---|---|
Reporting a Crash to Police |
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Filing an Accident Report |
You must file a report with the Department of Safety when:
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Crash Reporting |
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Note: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, seek legal advice or conduct legal research to verify Oklahoma law.
Oklahoma law requires drivers to immediately notify their local police department, the county sheriff’s office, or the State Highway Patrol of any car accident resulting in death or injury. The most efficient way of notifying the proper authorities is to call 911. The dispatcher will notify law enforcement and send a police officer to the accident scene.
The investigating officer will review the scene and prepare their police report. This report satisfies the crash reporting requirements. It will also help your Oklahoma car accident lawyer resolve your insurance claim or personal injury claim.
Different rules apply when an accident only causes property damage. Drivers must remain at the scene, exchange information, and provide reasonable aid. However, they do not have to notify the police. The same applies if a motorist hits an unattended vehicle or property, such as a fence or parked car.
Oklahoma law requires all drivers to maintain an auto insurance policy. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver and have not received fair compensation for your injuries, you must file a report with the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The report requires you to provide personal information about the other driver, such as their date of birth and contact information. Be sure to take good notes at the accident scene. If the other driver refuses to share this information, call the police immediately. Law enforcement will respond to non-injury accidents when the parties are not cooperating.
Even if the other driver offers this information, you should call 911. You have no way to know if the information is valid. The other driver could give you a fake phone number or driver’s license number. They may be driving a stolen car with a stolen license plate. The police will confirm that the information the drivers provide is valid, current, and accurate.
Municipalities can maintain crash reporting rules that are more stringent than state law. For example, the city of Tulsa maintains a system for drivers to self-report their accidents. The online program provides an incident report number so your insurance adjuster can process your claim.
You can report a noninjury accident in Oklahoma City by calling the police nonemergency number. If an officer is available, they will come to the accident scene and prepare a police report. You can reach the Oklahoma City Police Department at 405-297-1000.
While Oklahoma law doesn’t compel drivers to report noninjury accidents, it’s still a good idea. The responding officer’s police report provides an impartial record of the accident scene. The local police department’s records management office will maintain a copy of this report.
Even if the police respond to the scene, you should still draft your accident report. Your insurance company will want to know what happened before it pays your car accident claim or makes a settlement offer.
Record the following information for your accident report:
The more details you provide, the better your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Even a minor traffic collision can turn into a nightmare. For instance, the other driver may change their story after the accident, or the insurance company may deny your claim. Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can help protect your rights throughout the settlement process.
Visit FindLaw.com’s attorney directory to find a car accident attorney near you.
Oklahoma Car Accident Compensation Laws - FindLaw
Oklahoma Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline - FindLaw
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