While you shouldn’t use your phone much, if at all, while driving, it’s important to have your phone with you when you’re on the road. Driving on Oklahoma’s roads means accepting the risk of the unexpected happening, and that can range from roadside emergencies to collisions with other vehicles.
Having your phone handy means you can call for help in these situations, and that can save your life and the lives of others. Keep these numbers saved in your phone and be prepared to call them in case the unexpected happens while you’re on the road.
911
For nearly 30 years, Oklahomans could dial *55 on their cell phones to get in touch with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol if they needed assistance on many of the state’s highways and interstates. However, that changed in 2021. Now, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol says that drivers should simply dial 911, as dispatchers can transfer calls to local OHP stations to more promptly assist drivers in need.
Dialing 911 is also essential after crashes, as it dispatches both medical personnel to administer aid to injured victims and a police officer to file a crash report. Never assume that someone else has dialed 911 after a crash. Call anyway to ensure a prompt response.
Tow Truck Service
If your vehicle breaks down or you experience a flat tire on a busy highway or interstate, you shouldn’t attempt to make the repair on the side of the road. Doing so is extremely dangerous. If you can’t make the repair yourself or you can’t pull over into a safe location like a parking lot, call a tow truck service instead. Depending on where you are in the state, you may need to search for local tow truck companies that can reach you if you become stranded.
Non-Emergency Police Phone Number
In certain situations, it’s a good idea to contact police, but you don’t necessarily need to dial 911. For example, if you see a driver that you suspect is intoxicated, calling 911 may be overkill and can tie up resources. Instead, call the non-emergency line of the local police force. In Oklahoma City, for example, the non-emergency phone number is (405) 231-2121. You can also call the non-emergency phone number to report dangerous road conditions, downed power lines, and more.
Auto Insurer Claim Reporting Line
Even if you aren’t at fault for a crash, it’s still important and often required to report it to your auto insurance provider. This often must be done quickly after a crash, and many insurers require that it be done within 48 hours.
The aftermath of crashes can be hectic, so call as soon as you can, even if you’re still at the crash scene. Keeping your insurer’s claim reporting number saved in your phone can make the process quick and easy. It can also save you a lot of frustration down the road if you were to forget to call.
A Trusted Friend or Family Member
It’s important to let people you trust know that you were involved in a car accident. They may need to arrange care of other people in the vehicle, including children, especially if you were injured and need to go to the hospital. They also may need to help you retrieve or get repairs done on your vehicle if it was seriously damaged and needed to be towed away from the scene.
Make All Calls from a Safe Location
When you’re using your phone after a crash or other roadside emergency, it’s important to prioritize your safety. That means calling from a safe location and with your vehicle off. If the road is narrow and there are no sidewalks or shoulders, call from your vehicle, but only when stopped. Making phone calls while driving, even while using a hands-free functionality, can be distracting and dangerous.
Call Us as Soon as You Can After a Crash
After you get treatment for your injuries, you may realize how much money the accident is going to cost you. You’re facing expensive medical bills, and you may be facing missing paychecks because you’re too hurt to work. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, it’s our job to help injured victims like you get compensation for their accident-related expenses.
Our phone line is open 24/7 to take calls from people who were hurt in crashes that were caused by others’ negligence. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Oklahoma car accident lawyers for a free consultation. Let our experience work for you.
