Accidents Happen: When Can You Claim Damages?
Accidents happen all the time. However, sometimes these accidents are caused by the negligence of other people. When you sustain injuries or damages because of other people’s mistakes, then you are eligible to receive compensation.
In Oklahoma, personal injury lawyers can help you maximize your claim and give you the justice you deserve. However, for them to do that, it’s important that you know what to do during an accident, and when you’re eligible to claim damages.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents cover a wide range of vehicles, from cars and trucks, and even motorcycles. Different laws cover different vehicles, and it’s important for people to understand the different conditions of liability in order to maximize their claims. There are, however, certain things to follow in any type of auto accident to make sure that you can take legal action.
During an accident, do not leave the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident can constitute a criminal offense, which can shift liability onto you, even if you didn’t cause it. Secondly, obtain medical care as soon as you can. Some injuries arising from auto accidents do not appear until later, and it’s important that you stem the damage those injuries might cause, early on.
Third, do not tell law enforcement officials that you may have caused an accident. This will make it harder for you to make a legal claim. Allow the police or your insurance company to determine your innocence for you.
Slip-and-Fall
There’s some misconception regarding slip-and-fall cases. Some people think that, just because they slipped while on another person’s property, it entitles them to claim damages. However, this isn’t always the case. If you slip and fall on your own accord, or from unfortunate recklessness or absentmindedness, the property owner wouldn’t be liable.
However, if your fall is caused by the property owner’s negligence in maintaining a safe place for people visiting, then that constitutes Premises Liability. It is the responsibility of a property owner to ensure that anyone going through, working in, or visiting their space is in safe premises. Any slips that are caused by negligent behavior, such as spilt liquids or unmaintained floors, could cause other people injuries and could be grounds for filing suit.
If this happens to you, take appropriate measures to maximize your claim. First, take down the name of the owner or manager of the property, along with the names and contact details of any witnesses. Next, take pictures of the premises at the time of your accident, as well as photos of the injuries you sustained. Then, seek medical attention, but save the clothing you were wearing during the accident.
Do not provide statements to anyone regarding who you think may have been at fault, nor should you give recorded statements to any insurance companies. Again, allow the independent investigators to clear your name for you.
Wrongful Death
One of the most unfortunate types of accidents, a Wrongful Death is a case in which you believe that your loved one or someone you know died because of someone’s negligence. While seeking monetary compensation does not bring anyone back, it will give you the peace of mind that you will have the financial security to rebuild and heal after your devastating loss.
Once it’s been proven in court that your loved one died because of someone else’s negligence, then you can begin the process of recovering the financial damages. While it’s understandable that you might find this difficult because you’re still grieving, it is important to note that there are deadlines to follow when it comes to collecting on a wrongful death lawsuit. Always make sure that the lawyer you work with knows how to handle the complicated paperwork that will follow and that he or she is someone who can give you an accurate estimate of the financial compensation you stand to receive.
When it comes to finding a lawyer that has the level of expertise necessary to deal with your cases involving accidents, Little, Oliver & Gallagher PLLC can help you. Our legal team is staffed by highly skilled and qualified personal injury lawyers who can assist you when you need it.
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.