Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyers: How to Protect Your Rights During a Personal Injury Case – Guest Post

Car accidents change lives. They cause grave bodily injury and emotional trauma. Financial burdens are probably inevitable. Find yourself in Oklahoma and involved in a car accident; here is everything the victim needs to know about his rights and how he can protect them if he pursues a personal injury case. Otherwise, personal injury and car accident laws are somewhat puzzling in Oklahoma. In that case, the right car accident lawyer then comes into play, making all the difference between the failure or success of your case. To that end, below is the step-by-step process that should easily guide you through this time.

How Oklahoma’s Personal Injury Laws Work

First, there is the aspect of Oklahoma’s personal injury laws. The state goes on “comparative negligence” rule, where compensation you will be entitled to is highly dependent on how much you are at fault over the accident in question. One is excluded from being entitled to compensation if found to be 50% or more at fault.

Other than that, there is also a statute of limitation with regard to the filing of any personal injury claim in Oklahoma. You may come up with your suit within two years from the time that the accident took place. If you happen not to follow it, you might as well lose this right of action.

Things to Do Immediately a Car Accident Has Occurred

It always begins with what one does right away following the accident. The following is what you are to do:

Safety First

• If it is possible to do so, move to a safe area and check for injured parties.
• Call 911 to report the accident and to get medical help in case anyone was injured.

Document the Accident Scene

• Take snapshots or record videos of the surroundings where the accident happened, including shots of some damages on the vehicle and visible injuries.
•  Get the contact information from the witnesses and other drivers involved.

Police Report

• The police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence one will need when filing the personal injury claim; be truthful but at no instance accept guilt.

Consult a Doctor

• Even if it is superficial, see a doctor. It will help in the fact that the medical records would be very crucial for proving your claim.

Engage Car Accident Lawyer

• Engaging expert Oklahoma car accident lawyers at the earliest will ensure protection of your rights and evasion of many of the legal pitfalls that come forth in such cases.

Why You Need an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are those incidents that involve many parties, complicated insurance claims, and far more complicated legal hurdles. This is one of those cases where the help of an attorney is not just indispensable but very important.

Thorough Assessment of Your Case

He will give his opinion on merits in your case based on the extent of injury and value of property damaged, among other factors relating to your accident.

Insurance Companies

The insurance companies want to get rid of as many settlements as possible. They shall negotiate on your behalf and fetch a decent settlement amount for you.

Establishing Liability

A personal injury case solely depends on whose fault it is. Your attorney will investigate each and every piece of evidence that may come in handy to put together a strong case against the at-fault party.

Handling Legal Documents

Your attorney will do all due filing of the claim and responses to any legal notices well in advance.

Representing You in Court

If a settlement of the case is not possible, then a good car accident lawyer will represent you in the court where he will press hard for your rights.

Top Qualities You Can Get from a Car Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma

Your decision on a good attorney can make all the difference in your case. Some characteristics to look out in a lawyer include:

Personal Injury Experience

Hire a lawyer with experience handling multi-vehicle accidents in Oklahoma.

Effective Communication Skill

Your attorney must be in a position where you can always communicate about your case, explaining to you what is happening with you in words that you can understand.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

Good reviews from past clients may prove to be a great attorney

Clear Fees

Most car accident lawyers only take contingency cases-one doesn’t pay unless one wins. Of course, that one does have to make certain at the time of hiring them

Types of Damages You May be Entitled To

Depending on your situation, the following are types of damages a car accident victim may be entitled to:

• Medical Expenses: Damages for current and future medical treatment as a result of the accident.
• Lost Wages: Damages due to inability to work because of the accident. 
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for pain and emotional distress from the accident. 
• Property Damages: Damages to repair or replace your vehicle. 
• Punitive Damages: In these cases of gross negligence, the court may award punitive damages to the judgment for deterrence from further negligence.

Common Mistakes to Be Avoided During a Personal Injury Case

Following are some of the general mistakes that are most likely to reduce your compensation amount or harm your rights and hence should be avoided.

Delayed Medical Treatment

Medical treatment is to be initiated without wasting any time. Delayed treatment may be used against you in court as evidence that your injuries were not serious.

Admitting Fault

Never say anything like “I’m sorry” or anything that can be used to imply guilt. Of course, the investigation will find who is liable.

Lowball Settlement

Insurance companies make low-ball settlements. Under no circumstance whatsoever, whatever offer must not be accepted without consulting one’s attorney.

Failure to satisfy the Statute of Limitations

Statute of limitation dictates that one should file their claim before it runs out.

Failure to Consult an Attorney

Self-representation in court, in a case of personal injury, leads to mistakes and less than full compensation entitled to. —

Final Words

Being involved in a car accident is overwhelming and could get worse if it happened in Oklahoma. The difference perhaps will be in being fully informed of your rights and the sequence of legal proceedings. Besides giving you that sense of security that your rights are well guarded, retaining the services of a skilled attorney who handles car accidents will lead to receiving fair compensation.

Time is of essence. You can reach out to an Oklahoma car accident attorney today whom you believe in and secure your future as you seek justice that you deserve.

It is perhaps the most important single factor that will make for success in obtaining what one deserves from an injury to one’s self.