The aftermath of a fatal traffic accident can be incredibly traumatic for survivors. Unfortunately, Oklahoma car accident laws currently require specific legal procedures after a fatal crash that can add to the trauma and devastation of survivors.
An Oklahoma legislator has introduced a bill to protect victims and survivors of fatal traffic accidents.
Overview of the Recent Bill Regarding Transport of the Deceased After Fatal Accidents
State Senator George Burns of Oklahoma’s 5th District recently proposed Senate Bill 1123 to call for a change in how the state handles the remains of individuals who are killed in fatal vehicle accidents. Under the current Oklahoma car accident laws, the bodies of deceased crash victims must remain at the scene of an accident until a medical examiner arrives to confirm the fatality and begin an investigation.
If enacted by state legislators, SB 1123 would allow emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to relocate victims’ bodies to local hospitals after a law enforcement investigation is complete. This would enable medical examiners to complete their work at hospitals and allow police officers to clear accident scenes more swiftly.
SB 1123 will be formally considered by the Oklahoma Senate when it reconvenes for the 2022 legislative session in February.
Why Is This Bill Being Proposed?
Senator Burns decided to introduce the bill after a constituent contacted him about the aftermath of a fatal crash in the Senator’s district.
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety reported 654 Oklahoma car accident deaths in a recent year. According to the Senator, there are simply not enough medical examiners in the State of Oklahoma to handle traffic fatalities across 77 counties. As a result, the bodies of deceased crash victims are sometimes left unmoved for hours after an accident. This delay can be very distressing for family and friends who arrive at the scene long before the medical examiner, adding to the shock and grief of their loss.
Waiting hours for a medical examiner can also cause substantial traffic issues. The police can’t clear accident scenes quickly or prevent additional wrecks. But Senator Burns says the bill is mostly about preserving “dignity for those who have lost their lives in a car accident, as well as reducing trauma for their loved ones.”
Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City Today
Have you been involved in or lost someone close to you in an Oklahoma car accident? At Ryan Bisher Ryan Simons, our dedicated legal team has been serving local accident victims for more than 30 years. Contact us today to discuss how our car accident lawyers can support you in a free initial case review.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
