The Importance of a Car Accident Lawyer and How They Can Help in Your Case
When people become involved in a car accident, the primary concern is to make sure that the parties involved are not grievously or fatally injured. Tending to their health and well-being is understandably the foremost consideration and concern.
Alongside this, however, is the equally important matter of determining who is responsible for the car accident. It’s not just a matter of health concern, after all, but also an issue affecting public safety. Individuals suffer from injuries, and properties are damaged. There has to be a direct cause in this unfortunate scenario, and someone must be made liable for it.
Dealing with Car Accident Laws
Each state has varying laws and stipulations applied when it comes to the matter of car accidents. In Oklahoma, for example, you are given a total of two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for issues of compensation or damages.
Also, keep in mind that the prescription period is also different in the event that the government becomes party to a case. If a state vehicle crashes into you, for example, the claim for recompense must be immediately filed, to ensure protection of your rights too.
Application of Comparative Faults
Another thing about Oklahoma’s accident laws is that they recognize the concept of comparative fault. Basically, this gives weight to the possibility that both drivers involved in the accident may actually have collective fault. What will have to be determined is how much liability both drivers have, and which one actually has more.
If the other driver is found to have the greater liability, they will be expected to shell out more for compensation. However, because you were also at fault, the resulting amount computed from your own negligence will be deducted accordingly.
Now, if the situation is reversed, and you were the one with the majority of the fault, then you cannot expect to receive any form of compensation. In fact, you may even be compelled to pay compensation to the other party. In this case, your best bet is to rely on your insurance and hope that they will cover the fees for you.
When to Get a Lawyer
Relatively minor car accident cases can be easily resolved in coordination with your insurance companies. However, for bigger incidents, including those which leave you grievously injured, such that your daily life, source of income, and emotional or psychological state are severely impaired, it is definitely advisable to get a lawyer.
It will be far preferable for you to seek the help of a professional to represent you in court and argue a strong case. It will be beneficial for you, too, because you’ll need to focus on getting better as soon as possible. Let your lawyer do all the handiwork as you rest and take the time for healing.
The stress of having to draft and file the documents can also undermine your efforts at treatment and rehabilitation, so it would be better for you to sit that one out. Then there’s the matter of negotiations. Although you may feel like you would do well representing yourself in a negotiation, it would be better left to a lawyer, because they have more experience.
Should you insist on going at it alone, you risk shortchanging yourself out of the compensation that you truly deserve. Having a lawyer to represent you in this process ensures that your best interests will be protected.
Dealing with the legal aspects of a car accident sometimes requires expert help. If you find yourself in such a bind, don’t hesitate to seek help from firms like Little, Oliver & Gallagher. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
Sources:
Car Accident Laws in Oklahoma. All About Car Accidents.
When Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Car Accident Claim? NOLO.