Oklahoma Car Wreck Lawyer

Car Wrecks Can Get Complicated

Car accidents in Oklahoma can get complicated.  Car insurance is required by law, so when you're involved in a collision you are immediately thrown into the often confusing world of one or more bodies of Oklahoma law, including Title 36 (Insurance Law), Title 21 (Criminal Law), Title 47 (Motor Vehicles), Title 12 (Civil Procedure & Evidence), and Title 23 (Damages).

After being in an accident you're goal is usually to put everything back to where it was before the crash.  Unfortunately it's not always easy, and, it can get worse when you start understanding all the different things affecting the answer to the question: What does the law say is the proper settlement?

Worse still is the tragic situation when a loved one is killed in a car accident.  Because the Oklahoma Constitution has specific provisions regarding wrongful death, the management of a wrongful death tragedy due to a collision is not only more critical, but can be more complex and difficult.  And because fair compensation is often the only thing the survivors can rely on, the ability to get what is deserved is critical to many people's lives.

Car Collisions Happen All The Time

 Amazingly, there are over 6 million car wrecks in the U.S. every year.  Approximately 3 million people are injured in these collisions, meaning that about once every 14 seconds, someone in the U.S. is injured in a crash.

More amazingly, over 40,000 people die in a car accident in the U.S. every year.  On average, one person dies in the U.S. in a collision approximately every 12 minutes.

You vs. An Insurance Company = David vs. Goliath

Make no mistake, if you're in an accident, in order to put everything back the way it was before the crash you must deal with one or more insurance companies who have a slightly different motivation: They want the whole thing settled by paying as little as possible.

The unfairness of the situation is that the insurance companies know the law: the statutes, regulations, and case law.  They have lawyers, procedures, and time on their side.  If they can get by with paying you less, arguing, or delaying, they will.  The legal history books are full of examples.

Having experienced counsel on your side can be an equalizer.  Experienced counsel is key because insurers can be both large and difficult to deal with; but, as legend holds, while everyone said "look how big Goliath is," David had the right mentality, reportedly saying, "he's so big, I can't miss."  Make no mistake, an insurer can, in the process of doing what they are supposed to do, make life difficult on anyone filing a claim.  Make sure you hire experienced counsel that will work to maximize your recovery; not merely add you to a long list of cases to farm out to associate attorneys.

Insurance

Multiple Insurance Types and Coverage

A car accident may involve not only the other guy's insurance, but also other insurance as well, including your car insurance, your health insurance, workers compensation insurance, and/or product liability insurance.  Whether you were a driver, passenger, vehicle owner, borrower or lender, there are lots of moving parts and insurance questions in the mix.

If for no other reason, a lawyer is needed to help in figuring out what insurance may apply.  This often requires corresponding with the insurer and asking the right questions, reviewing policies, and understanding the insurance company's application process and procedures.

If the insurance company is not asked the right questions, they are notorious for keeping quiet and letting the case get settled without contributing to the settlement.

Special Types of Accidents; e.g., Trucks

Truck Accidents, Motorcycles, Work Vehicles

Some types of accidents require special legal action.  Trucking accidents, for example, are unique because special laws apply to operating trucks on Oklahoma roads.  Further, the rules and regulations from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration may come in to play.

If you're involved in an accident with a truck, make certain your legal representative is experienced in trucking accidents -- It's critically important!

What Should Your Attorney Do?

An attorney representing you in a car wreck should not only be experienced in such matters, and in particular with dealing with insurance, but we believe he or she should also:

Handle your case personally;

Be available when you call;

Keep you updated;

Get you the medical care you need;

Properly investigate the accident;

Quickly demand the other guy's insurance to take proper action;

Preserve evidence;

Retain the proper experts when needed;

Know whether the case belongs in federal court or state court;

File suit and advocate for your rights.

At What Cost?

Attorney's representing car wreck victims may require 33% to 50% of a recovery.  The question is, is it worth it?  Will an attorney, through their skill and experience, increase the amount of recovery enough to justify the fee?

The honest answer is, it depends on the attorney's experience, the time he or she puts into the case, and the facts of the case -- caveat emptor ("let the buyer beware").  Until a case is reviewed and research conducted into the insurance involved, the laws affecting the case, the parties, and all the circumstances, it's not just difficult, it's almost impossible to say for sure.

What To Do Next

Three things:

1. Make notes, start a file, keep every piece of paper related to the accident (including healthcare bills, reports, work status, mileage, etc.).
2. Be cautious in speaking with anyone about the accident, especially insurance representatives.
3. Find an experienced attorney you trust to review the accident.

Free Consultation

For straight talk and a free consultation, call Allison Legal at 405-702-9900.

We handle cases personally, are experienced in state and federal court, and understand the complexities of car wrecks, insurance, healthcare, and the law.  Our fees for such matters are based on contingency; we keep it simple: no recovery, no cost.

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