Steps to Take After a Oklahoma Spark Delivery Crash
While understanding your potential damages is vital, taking the right steps after the accident can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Here’s what to do.
1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should always be your top priority. Call emergency services immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, might not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation also creates a record linking your injuries to the accident, which is critical for your case.
2. Document the Scene
Gathering evidence at the scene will strengthen your claim. Use your phone to take photos or videos of:
- The vehicles involved, including license plates
- Damage to property
- Skid marks, traffic signs, or signals
- Your visible injuries
If there are bystanders who witnessed the crash, ask for their contact details as they could provide valuable testimony later.
3. Exchange Information
Obtain the Spark driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If the driver was actively delivering at the time of the crash, note that this might involve Walmart’s insurance coverage.
4. Contact an Attorney
Navigating a crash claim involving a delivery driver can be complex. Oklahoma laws, insurance policies, and shared liability rules can all affect the outcome of your case. A personal injury attorney experienced in delivery accident claims can help you:
- Investigate liability
- Determine whether Walmart’s corporate insurance policy applies
- Calculate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement
Many attorneys offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to explore your legal options.
5. Understand Insurance Coverage
Delivery drivers typically fall into one of three driving phases, and their insurance coverage may vary depending on their status at the time of the crash:
- Offline or Personal Drive: Only the driver’s personal insurance may apply.
- On-Duty, Not Delivering: The company’s contingent liability coverage might kick in.
- On-Duty, Actively Delivering: Walmart’s commercial insurance policy should provide coverage.
Understanding how these coverage scenarios work will help you determine who’s responsible for compensating your damages.