Getting in an accident while on the road can have a lasting impact on your life. A severe crash can result in catastrophic injuries from which you may never fully recover. If you were injured in a car accident that resulted from another party’s negligence or intentional actions, you could be entitled to compensation.
The Oklahoma city personal injury lawyer at BDIW Law know the challenges that accident victims face. Our team of experienced lawyers has helped countless people injured on the road secure favorable results after an accident. You can schedule a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys today by giving us a call or completing our online contact form.
Reasons for Hiring an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
After suffering a severe injury in a car accident, your focus should be on your health. Unfortunately, when faced with expensive medical bills you can’t afford, you have additional concerns on your mind. By hiring a car accident attorney in Oklahoma, you can let them deal with recouping your losses while you worry about healing from your injuries.
When you hire a lawyer after a collision, they will take over every aspect of your legal case. While they will still consult you on all important decisions that need to be made, your lawyer will take care of all the daily tasks associated with getting you the money you need.
Relieving yourself from the stress of legal proceedings will allow you to recover from your injuries much quicker.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYUnderstanding and Navigating Car Accident Claims in Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the Aftermath of a Car Accident in Oklahoma: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide
Car accidents in Oklahoma can be life-altering events, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding the legal process of filing a claim and seeking compensation is crucial for victims to navigate this difficult time effectively.
Immediate Steps Following a Car Accident
The moments after a car accident in Oklahoma are critical. Ensuring everyone’s safety, contacting emergency services, and documenting the scene are essential first steps. Gathering information from other parties involved and any witnesses is also crucial. This initial information can be invaluable in any subsequent legal proceedings.
Understanding Oklahoma’s Insurance and Fault Laws
Oklahoma operates under a “fault” system for car accidents, meaning the person responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. Understanding your insurance policy and the role of the at-fault party’s insurance is vital. In some cases, dealing with insurance companies can be complex, and having legal assistance can be beneficial.
Seeking Medical Attention and Documenting Injuries
Prioritizing your health is essential. Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident in Oklahoma not only ensures your well-being but also creates a medical record of your injuries. This documentation is crucial when seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma
An experienced car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance. They can handle negotiations with insurance companies, help gather and analyze evidence, and represent you in court if necessary. Their expertise can significantly increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
Compensation for Damages: What Can You Recover?
Victims of car accidents in Oklahoma can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. A lawyer can help identify all potential areas of compensation.
Statute of Limitations: Timing is Crucial
In Oklahoma, there is a statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim. Understanding these time constraints is crucial as failing to file within this period can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation. An attorney can ensure that all necessary actions are taken within the legal time frames.
Case Studies: Successful Car Accident Claims in Oklahoma
Consider these hypothetical scenarios to understand the application of these strategies:
- A Complex Negotiation with Insurance Companies: A victim of a car accident successfully navigates complex negotiations with the help of an attorney, resulting in a fair settlement covering all medical expenses and lost wages.
- A Disputed Liability Case: In a case where liability was initially disputed, thorough evidence gathering and legal representation led to a successful outcome for the victim.
Conclusion
Navigating a car accident claim in Oklahoma requires an understanding of the legal landscape, timely actions, and often, the assistance of a skilled attorney. From dealing with insurance companies to seeking fair compensation, the right legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Recoverable Damages Following a Car Accident
After suffering an injury in a car accident, recovering compensation can be critical. There are a variety of damages you will likely be able to pursue in this situation. Determining the specific damages you are able to claim will depend on the details of your case.
Economic Damages
Any losses suffered after a car accident that causes direct financial harm are considered economic damages. The economic damages most often recovered in car accident cases include:
- Property damage
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
Non-Economic Damages
Any other losses incurred following a car accident are labeled as non-economic damages. The non-economic damages most often recovered in car accident cases include:
- Lowered quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
Economic damages and non-economic damages are compensatory in nature. Their focus is on replacing losses suffered by an accident victim. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are used as a form of punishment for the liable party. Punitive damages are used in extreme situations and are meant to discourage similar behavior in the future.
Don’t Miss the Deadline to File Your Car Accident Lawsuit
If you are pursuing compensation from the at-fault party through a personal injury lawsuit, you need to be aware of the deadline for filing in the state where the accident occurred. The Oklahoma personal injury statute of limitations generally allows accident victims two years to submit the necessary paperwork to sue the liable party.
Missing this deadline will most often result in the loss of your ability to claim damages. Of course, exceptions to the statute of limitations exist that can affect the amount of time you have to file. The specific details of your case could permit you to file a lawsuit after the usual deadline has passed. You may also find that your time to file is further restricted.
When you hire a car accident lawyer in Oklahoma, you will be helping to ensure that you are aware of the specific deadlines that apply to your case. Your attorney can ensure that all of your paperwork gets submitted on time.
Car Accident Attorneys Get Paid for Results
The perceived cost of hiring a lawyer leads to many accident victims failing to secure legal representation. However, when it comes to hiring a car accident attorney, cost should never be a factor. Like most personal injury lawyers, these attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
That means that rather than paying a large fee to retain their services and a high hourly rate, you will only pay these attorneys a single fee at the conclusion of your case. This fee will be assessed as a percentage of the money recovered from the liable party. Because of this, your lawyer doesn’t get paid for their services if you don’t receive compensation.
Be Careful When Communicating With an Insurance Company After a Car Accident
If you are dealing with an insurance company following a car accident, you need to proceed with caution. These companies are focused on protecting their money above all else. As a result, there are a variety of tricks that an insurance adjuster will attempt to use against you to deny or devalue your claim.
The most effective way to protect yourself and your right to recover the full value of your claim is by declining to speak to the insurer until you have secured legal representation. Once you have hired an Oklahoma car accident lawyer, all communications from the insurance company will go through them, providing a buffer against the insurer’s attacks.
Receive Your Free Case Review from an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer Today
Choosing an experienced lawyer after an accident will give you the best chance of recovering the money you need and deserve from the responsible party. At BDIW Law, our Car accident attorneys in Oklahoma have a long history of helping accident victims get fair compensation for their damages.
Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
