Have you been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma City, OK? Call an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer from Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your options. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today at (405) 703-4567 to get started. We provide a free initial consultation.
Since our founding, we’ve successfully represented traffic accident victims across the state. Our experienced attorneys bring over 95 years of combined experience to every case. We work hard for our clients to get the money they need and deserve from those responsible.
Why Choose an Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer From Laird Hammons Laird?
If you’ve been in a car accident, you need more than just legal representation. You need a skilled legal team with proven results. At Laird Hammons Laird, our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers have over nine decades of combined experience, and we’ve obtained more than $100 million for clients like you.
We know how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. That’s why we’re relentless in standing up to insurance companies and making sure you get the full compensation you are entitled to. From day one, we’ll treat your case with the urgency and care it demands – because to us, you’re not just a case number, you’re a real person who deserves justice.
Let’s take the first step together. Contact us today for a free consultation so that we can start building a winning case strategy.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Oklahoma City?
If you work with a car accident attorney, you stand the best chance of recovering maximum compensation. This is true even after the legal fees are deducted.
Consider that:
- Insurance companies have departments dedicated to helping them escape or minimize liability. Hiring a litigator lets you even the playing field, as they can negotiate on your behalf and represent your interests effectively.
- Most likely, you’ll be blamed for your car accident. Your legal representative can respond to these allegations and minimize the amount of fault assigned to you. Otherwise, you risk losing some (or even all, potentially) of your financial compensation.
- A car accident attorney can handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on healing. This includes all the paperwork, communications, negotiations, and much more.
- It may be necessary to use expert assistance for your case to prove its validity or demonstrate its value. Attorneys have established relationships with leading experts and medical providers who can assist with your case as needed.
These are just a few reasons why hiring an attorney may be in your best interest. Get in touch with us if you’d like to learn more or if you have any questions. We offer a free case evaluation.
Do I Have a Car Accident Case?
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident in Oklahoma City due to someone else’s actions, you likely have a valid car accident claim. To establish liability for your injuries, you’ll need to prove the elements of your case.
Even if time has passed, you may still have legal options. We’ll review your case and give you straight answers. If the insurance company isn’t offering fair compensation, we’ll step in and fight for what you deserve. And if we don’t think you have a strong claim, we’ll tell you upfront. Our goal is to give you honest guidance and real results.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they only collect payment if they recover compensation for you through a car accident settlement or verdict. The amount is generally between 33% and 40% of the financial recovery. Thanks to these agreements, those injured in collisions can avoid additional bills and focus on their recovery.
We will review the details of contingency fee representation with you at an initial meeting. Hiring us also costs you nothing upfront.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Each case’s value is based, in significant part, on the unique facts and circumstances involved in the situation. We undertake a comprehensive evaluation so that we can help our clients obtain as much money as possible.
Factors that can determine how much your case is worth include:
- The kinds of injuries you’ve sustained and their severity (for instance, a case involving many broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or a serious traumatic brain injury could be worth more than one involving only minor bruises)
- Whether you contributed to the cause of your collision
- Insurance policy terms/conditions
- The extent of your financial losses and other economic damages
- Whether there is enough evidence to back up your claim
- The impact of your non-economic damages, such as your emotional distress
- The identity of the at-fault party
Your lawyer’s skills and experience can also influence how much your case is worth. For instance, a qualified attorney can work with experts (like accident reconstructionists) to help bolster it as necessary throughout the claim process.
If you hire us, we’ll work hard to get you every dollar that you’re entitled to. You’re going through a lot, and we can help; call today to learn more.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Oklahoma?
The time limit to file a lawsuit after a car accident, known as the statute of limitations, differs nationwide. In Oklahoma, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a claim for personal injuries or wrongful death. If you miss this deadline, you can lose the opportunity to seek compensation.
There are some specific circumstances under which the time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit may be different, such as cases involving government entities. We will evaluate your claim to determine the applicable deadlines so that you don’t lose your right to sue.
What Compensation Can I Recover After My Car Accident?
Economic and non-economic damages are the two main categories of damages you can receive after a car accident caused by another party’s negligence. Here is a breakdown of potential damages:
- Medical Expenses: This covers bills for hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and related costs. Future medical bills and costs related to your accident may also be considered.
- Lost Wages: If you miss work due to your accident, you can be compensated for lost income. Additionally, if your ability to work in the future is impaired by serious injuries, you may also collect damages for lost earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical harm and emotional distress you feel due to the accident. These damages account for various consequences, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, or diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: You can be reimbursed for the repair costs or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
- Loss of Companionship: You may receive compensation for your accident’s adverse effects on your relationship with a spouse.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are not meant to compensate you directly. Rather, they are designed to punish the responsible party for reckless or malicious behavior. These damages are awarded in rare cases where the other driver’s conduct was especially egregious.
Our car crash lawyers will help you receive compensation for every loss and impact you’ve experienced.
How To Deal With the Insurance Company after a Car Accident
Almost every car crash involves an insurance company to one degree or another. These are for-profit businesses that want to make as much money as possible – not pay you fully for your losses.
It’s important to keep in mind that the insurer is not on your side. On the contrary, they’ll utilize various tactics designed to shield them from liability for your claim so they can avoid having to pay.
As a result, it’s best to proceed very cautiously when dealing with an insurance adjuster. For instance, do not agree to give a recorded statement without seeking legal advice first. In addition, be careful about saying anything that might be construed as accepting blame for the collision.
Ideally, you will leave all of the communications and negotiations with the insurance company to your attorney. There’s a lot at stake, and a skilled attorney can appropriately represent your interests, ensuring you aren’t taken advantage of.
Will I Have To Go to Court for a Car Accident Claim in Oklahoma City?
It’s highly unlikely. Most Oklahoma car accident claims are resolved through settlements and don’t require pursuing a lawsuit.
That said, in some circumstances, it could benefit you to go to court. For example, if the at-fault party refuses to offer a fair settlement or negotiate in good faith, filing a lawsuit might be best.
Once a lawsuit is filed, your attorney will proceed with pretrial discovery. This is a process by which information is exchanged between the parties involved, and it might reveal further details to support your claim.
Litigation requires extensive time and resources – efforts that the other driver’s insurance company might not want to make. As a result, simply filing a lawsuit or having an attorney on your side with substantial trial experience could lead to a willingness to pay and a higher settlement offer as well.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Oklahoma City, OK?
Collisions can happen just about anywhere, even with good driving and careful attention. Car accidents have many causes, and some of the most common are the following:
- Inattentive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
- Fatigue
Understanding these causes is crucial in reducing accidents and their severity. You’re susceptible to suffering serious harm in the event of a wreck.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
With nearly a century of combined experience, our personal injury attorneys can help you with any type of case. Some of the primary types of practice areas we handle are the following.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Driving while distracted, especially by a cell phone, is a leading cause of serious crashes in Oklahoma City. These accidents are entirely preventable and often result in devastating consequences. Our distracted driving accident lawyers can fight for accountability and compensation.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions may seem minor, but they can lead to serious injuries like whiplash, brain trauma, or spinal cord damage. Liability is often clear, but insurers may still challenge your claim. Reach out to our knowledgeable rear-end accident lawyers to discuss your rights and options.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Driving under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk, and the aftermath of these crashes can be life-changing. Oklahoma personal injury law allows you to pursue compensation and justice. Our drunk driving accident attorneys can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their reckless conduct.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of auto accidents and often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. If you’ve been involved in one, you need strong legal support. Our dedicated head-on crash attorneys can help you determine how your accident happened and seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
After a hit-and-run crash, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Even if the other driver isn’t identified, you could still recover damages through your own uninsured motorist insurance policy. Let our hit-and-run accident attorneys investigate and help you explore every available option.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are common sites for T-bone and multi-vehicle crashes caused by speeding or failing to yield. These collisions can lead to serious injuries and complex liability questions. Our intersection crash attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you need.
If you or a loved one was severely injured in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, send us a message online or give us a call today to request your free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers can help you determine whether you have a case and get you the compensation you need.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in OKC?
The initial moments after a car accident are often overwhelming and stressful. At the same time, there are certain things you should do (and refrain from doing) to protect yourself and your interests.
These steps include:
- After you get to safety, call 911 and report the crash to the police. Law enforcement will arrive at the scene and create a police report, which can help support your claim. This step is also required by Oklahoma law in many instances.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved in the crash.
- Collect evidence at the accident scene if you can, such as taking photos and videos of the vehicles involved and other details. You might also gather information from any eyewitnesses, as well as note whether any nearby surveillance equipment might have caught the wreck.
- Be sure not to apologize or accept blame for the crash, as doing so could jeopardize your pursuit of compensation.
- Seek medical treatment from a doctor, even if you aren’t clearly injured. Many kinds of issues won’t present symptoms at the scene, and medical records can support your case. By getting immediate medical attention, you protect your health and your rights.
From there, consult a car accident attorney who can review your situation, answer your questions, and advise you on how best to proceed.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car crashes can result in severe injuries. We are capable of helping you after any type of harm, including the following:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Crushing injuries
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations and road rash
- Eye injuries
- Airbag injuries
- Paralysis
- Chest injuries
- Knee injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful death of a family member
We’re highly passionate about advocating for car accident victims and will fight to help you receive money for all of your car accident-related injuries. Call today to schedule a time to meet and begin moving forward.
Car Accident FAQ
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Car Accident Claim?
Negligence generally refers to someone’s failure to behave with the level of care that’s expected. A negligent driver is someone who did not exercise the appropriate caution that a reasonable driver would have shown, resulting in an accident.
To prove negligence, four key elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: You must establish that the defendant owed a duty to you. All drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles with caution and attention to avoid causing harm to others.
- Breach of Duty: You must demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty. For example, if a driver were texting while driving and caused an accident, they would likely be deemed to have breached their duty.
- Causation: You must prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused your accident. This can be challenging if multiple factors contributed to the accident. Using the texting example, you must show that the defendant’s texting was a direct cause of the crash, not some other factor.
- Damages: You must show that you suffered actual damages. This includes physical harm, property damage, or financial losses. Damages must be the result of the defendant’s negligence.
We can help you establish negligence. This typically requires reviewing police reports, witness statements, and photographs. We will also review medical records and consult experts to testify about your injuries and prognosis.
What if I’m Partly Responsible for My Car Accident?
You may believe that you are partially responsible if you are involved in a car accident. It is important to know that Oklahoma operates under a “modified comparative negligence” system.
This means that as long as the judge or jury finds that you were 50% or less responsible, you can still get paid. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. If you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible, you will be barred from recovering any damages.
An experienced car accident attorney can advocate for you and work to ensure you’re not assigned undue blame for your crash.
Who Could Be Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Under state law, anyone who contributed to the cause of your crash could be liable. Examples of parties you may be able to hold legally responsible include:
- Other drivers and/or their insurance companies
- Government entities (for example, if your collision was due to poor road upkeep)
- Pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and passengers
- Employers of motorists who were working at the time of the crash
- Businesses, such as the manufacturer or retailer of a defective part
The facts will determine who is liable. During your no-cost case assessment, we can review your options and provide initial advice.
What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Oklahoma City?
Based on statistics from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO), these are some of the most dangerous intersections in the area:
- I-44 & NW 39th Expressway
- I-40 & Choctaw Rd
- I-40 & I-44
- I-44 & I-235
- I-240 & US 77
- I-35 & I-240
- Western Ave & Reno Ave
- SW 44th St & Johnston Dr
- SW 59t St & S Western Ave
- NW 39th St & N Land Ave
- NW 39th St & N St Claire Ave
- NW 39th St & Lake Hefner Parkway
Accidents can occur even when taking all the right precautions. Fortunately, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party, regardless of where your crash took place.
Contact Our Experienced Oklahoma City Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
With over 95 years of combined experience, we have seen the toll of crashes on victims and their family members. Our Oklahoma City car accident attorneys have the compassion, expertise, and legal skills to help you hold responsible parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, contact our law firm at (405) 703-4567 to schedule a complimentary consultation with us today. Our team is ready to help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Car Accident Infographic
