Your Settlement’s Too Low: Tips from an Oklahoma Car Accident Attorney
Your suspicions are correct: there are now more cars in the country than ever. According to 2014 data from Statista.com, over 250 million motor vehicles roam the country. Unfortunately, more cars mean a higher incidence of accidents on the road. According to a study by CarInsurance.com, an accident may be just around the corner. Its research indicates the average person gets into an accident every 17.9 years. If you live to be 80, that’s about four crashes you’ll experience over a lifetime.
Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers
By the end of 2018, there were about 2.5 million registered drivers in Oklahoma. While these numbers imply a relatively lower volume of vehicles on Oklahoma roads compared to other states, car crashes are recorded almost on a daily basis. Regardless of your efforts to drive safely and observe every traffic rule, you may get injured in a car crash due to another driver’s negligence. At Little Oliver Gallagher, we understand the agony that car accident victims in Oklahoma City go through, particularly if they have suffered life-long injuries. In such situations, pursuing compensation due to the losses and injuries suffered may not be their priority. However, if you wish to hold the negligent party responsible for the accident, you have to act fast and file your claim in time. Working with an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer means that you can file a claim and pursue compensation without compromising your recovery. Our team of skilled and experienced car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options in a free case evaluation. Oklahoma’s Car Crash Statistics Car crashes in Oklahoma are caused by various factors, and the results of these crashes also vary. Besides property damage, car accidents lead to injuries or death of individuals. According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO), there were 9,763 car crashes recorded on Oklahoma roads in 2019. Out of these crashes, there were 640 fatalities while 12,304 people were injured. A seat belt survey by OHSO further indicated that the fatalities included 208 unrestrained persons while the total injuries included 1,337 unrestrained persons. Common Car Accident Causes in Oklahoma Car accidents in Oklahoma are as a result of various reasons, including: Intoxicated Driving Drug and alcohol-related accidents are common in Oklahoma. Using controlled substances and getting behind the wheel will most likely have one outcome – car crash. Such accidents are often fatal as intoxicated drivers have poor judgement and may not act in time to prevent a crash. Distracted Driving Distractions are also a leading cause of auto accidents in Oklahoma. Visual, cognitive, and manual distractions all make a driver focus on something else rather than the road, which causes a crash in most cases. Speeding Driving above the permitted speed limit is also a common cause of car accidents in Oklahoma. Speeding increases the chances of a crash as a driver has less time to react to an obstacle or another approaching vehicle. In most cases, a driver may lose control of the vehicle whenever they hit a pothole or curb at a high speed, leading to a crash or rollover. Fatigue Where a driver spends most of their time behind the wheel without a proper rest, fatigue sets in. Fatigue easily makes a driver drowsy, which could, in turn, result in a car crash. This is especially the case for ridesharing company drivers, who often work beyond the accepted hours to boost their earnings. Proving Liability in Oklahoma Car Accident Cases In a car accident case, you can only receive compensation if you prove sufficiently that the other party was responsible for the accident. If you have been involved in a car crash in Oklahoma City, hiring an Oklahoma car accident lawyer helps you prove liability by proving the following elements: • Duty of care • Breach of duty • Causation • Damages Hire an Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer At Little Oliver Gallagher, our legal team is dedicated to assist car accident victims get compensation for property damage and injuries suffered. Working with an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer is the best way of protecting your right to seek compensation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay a dime until we win your case and you receive compensation. Reach out to us today at  (405) 253-4478 to talk to one of our lawyers in a free case evaluation.
Car Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City
Car Accident Causes Have you been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma? Are you wondering whether or not you qualify for compensation? Well, you need to work with the best Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer to make sure you receive your rightful compensation. What Are The Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Oklahoma City? 1. Drunk Driving – Whether you or other drivers on the road are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are likely going to cause a car accident. 2. Speeding – Driving over the speed limit in OKC is a leading cause of car accidents. 3. Careless Or Distracted Driving – Using your cell phone to text or call when driving is distracted driving. Grabbing anything from the floor or tweaking your car stereo might cause serious accidents. 4. Failure To Obey Traffic Signs – Going through a stop sign or ignoring a yield sign can cause a serious car accident. 5. Bad Weather – During the fall or winter months, the weather can be pretty cruel in Oklahoma resulting in serious car accidents. If you have been involved in a car accident due to any of the following reasons, you need to call the best Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer to get the compensation you deserve. What To Do After A Car Accident In Oklahoma? 1. Call The Police – First, you need to call the local authorities to the scene of the accident. The police should write down a report of the accident so make sure you get a copy of it for legal purposes. 2. Get Medical Assistance – If you have been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, you need to get medical assistance from the emergency responders at the scene. If you are seriously injured, get help from the local hospital and ask for copies of the medical reports. 3. Ask For Witness Contacts – You can ask for the numbers and names of the other people at the scene of the accident. They should come in handy as witness statements during your compensation case. 4. Don’t Admit Fault – Even if you are at fault for the accident, don’t admit fault. Avoid saying anything to the other people at the scene of the accident to signify your fault. 5. Call A Car Accident Lawyer – You need to call a car accident lawyer in Oklahoma to get the evidence you need for your compensation case. When To File A Claim? If you have been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, you have two years to file a claim from the date of the accident. If the two years elapse before you file a claim, the statute of limitations expires and you are no longer eligible for compensation. How To Determine Fault In A Car Accident In Oklahoma City? For any accident in Oklahoma, the law relies on modified comparative negligence to determine who is at fault. Simply put, it means you can recover damages in a car accident claim but your share will determine the degree of fault for the car accident. If your level of fault is higher than that of the other drivers, you will not receive any compensation in Oklahoma law. How Can A Car Accident Lawyer Help? Are you wondering whether or not you need the services of a car accident lawyer after an accident? Here are a few reasons why hiring a car accident lawyer is important. 1. Filing A Lawsuit – If you don’t have legal experience, you may not have the knowledge required to file a car accident lawsuit. Hire a legal professional who can help with the paperwork and processes to avoid any challenges with your case. 2. Collecting Evidence – It’s prudent to hire an attorney immediately after the accident so they can start collecting the evidence as soon as possible. If you wait too long, some of the evidence might be unusable. Even worse, the statute of limitations might expire thereby nullifying your compensation. 3. Settlement Negotiation – Insurers might offer a settlement amount to prevent the case from going to trial. The best car accident lawyers in OKC should be able to get a good settlement amount by using their exemplary negotiation skills. 4. Trial Representation And Preparation – If the case ends up in trial, a good lawyer should represent you and present your case in front of the judge and jury. Call the best OKC car accident lawyers today and enjoy these and many more benefits!  In Oklahoma City call Little, Oliver, Gallager, PLLC at (405) 253-4478. Or complete our contact form and one of our attorneys will contact you.
Steps To Follow When You Are Involved In A Car Accident
Crucial Steps To Follow When You Are Involved In A Car Accident In Oklahoma. Accidents are inevitable and can happen to anyone. No one ever expects to be in a car accident, but it is crucial to know the steps to follow when it happens. The truth is that most people do not know what to do after they are involved in a car accident, as they are confused and traumatized. Sadly, the mistakes that you make at this stage are crucial to your case as insurance companies will use them for their benefit. To avoid these mistakes, below is a guide on what to do after an Oklahoma City car accident to ensure that you protect your rights and your case holds up in court. Read on. The first thing you should do is to remain calm. This may seem surreal and strange since the accident is scary and traumatizing, but being in panic mode will do more harm than good. Take a second to calm down and make sure you are okay. Check for any injuries that you and other people may have sustained and need critical help. Once you have calmed down, call 911 for emergency medical help on the scene of the accident. It is required by law to contact the police before leaving the scene of the accident in Oklahoma. Receiving medical care as soon as possible after a car crash will help take care of any serious injuries and save lives. Documented medical treatment will help you later when you file a compensation claim. Try to record your statement with the police to ensure that they have all the details of the accident. Answer all the questions that the police ask truthfully, but do not admit fault. Admitting that you are at fault will not help your chances of receiving compensation later on. Also, please do not blame the other driver, even if they were at fault as it will only start an argument and worsen the situation. Let the police do their work and figure out who was at fault. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information before they leave the scene. Also, exchange information with the other drivers involved. You should get their name, address, the insurance company, policy number, phone number, and license number. It is best if you are able to take pictures of the accident. Get photos of all the cars that were involved in the crash and any property that was damaged. Also, take photos of anything else that may be helpful such as the traffic controls, street signs, and debris as they may come in handy. If you are injured and unable to take pictures, get someone to help you out as you may need the evidence later. Even if you were not injured, it is advised to seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible. The reason for an early medical evaluation is that you have sustained injuries that take days before any symptoms are present. The doctor will be able to examine you and document any injuries that you have. Get a copy of the police report to help you get started on your case. This will be the starting point for you as you begin your claim. It is also crucial to report the car crash to your insurance company regardless of who is at fault. Ensure that you give notify them promptly to avoid a denial of your claim. To ensure that your rights are protected it is vital to contact an experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyer. This is the most crucial step in a car accident and it should be followed. The attorney will investigate the accident, gather all the evidence that pertains to it and deal with the insurance companies to get the compensation that you deserve. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is critical to follow the above steps to ensure that you get maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. With the right attorney, you will be able to navigate these stormy waters and come out better on the other side. If you have been involved in a car accident, contact us to learn more. In Oklahoma City call (405) 253-4478 or in the Ardmore area call (580) 798-0447.
Importance of Your Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents are costly not only because of hefty medical bills but also because of the potential lawsuits that could arise out of an accident. If you or someone you know recently figured in a car accident and are now facing medical bills, not to mention income losses due to injuries, you may have good grounds to claim for the damages you suffered. Read on to know more about car accident injuries and how your lawyer can help you build a solid case for compensation. Most Common Causes of Car Accidents The most common causes of car accidents include: Reckless driving (speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, etc) Distracted driving (talking on the phone, texting, listening to music, etc.) Driving under the influence (alcohol or drugs/medications) Rain, sleet or snow Injuries Caused by Car Accidents Common injuries sustained from car accidents include: Head/brain/spinal cord injuries (whiplash injuries, brain trauma, etc.) Broken bones Internal injuries Mental and emotional trauma Minor bruising, muscle sprains and strains Injuries sustained during a car accident can vary in severity depending on many factors such as the speed of the vehicles at the point of impact, angle of impact, whether or not seat belts were used, whether or not airbags deployed, among others. Can you make a claim? If you were involved in a car accident and you suffered injuries and damage to your car, you can file a claim. You can file a claim even if it is unclear who caused the collision. The other party may have sustained damages as well and maybe looking to claim for compensation. If you are unsure about whether or not you have enough grounds to file a claim, or if filing a claim is the best thing you can do, talk to your lawyer. He or she can advise you on the pros and cons of filing a claim especially if the losses you incurred are less than the potential costs of a lawsuit. Reasons to Work with a Car Accident Attorney Technical Legal Know-How The most obvious reason why working with a car accident lawyer is the wisest thing you can do is because insurance claims and lawsuits can be time-consuming and very complicated for the lay-person to handle alone. The technical aspects of filing a claim and making sure documents are properly recorded and authenticated involve processes that car accident lawyers are very familiar with, but maybe totally alien to those who have no legal background. Legal Resources Car accident lawyers also have the resources to investigate the details of your car accident fully. There are car accidents that appear cut-and-dry and it’s obvious who caused the accident. However, there are cases when it isn’t clear who is the party at fault. In cases like these, your lawyer can muster all resources to investigate the facts of the accident and determine who caused the accident. Your lawyer knows how to fully utilize the discovery process so you can obtain all relevant information and documents that can help you build your case. Once he has gathered solid evidence he can prepare the documents for filing with your insurance company or in court. Protection of Rights A car accident attorney becomes indispensable especially if you have an insurance company that refuses to pay or the other party insists that you were the one at fault. When circumstances become adversarial you need a good lawyer who can walk you through the process of filing a personal injury claim. Your lawyer can help protect your rights, ensure that you understand insurance contracts, and build a solid case so you can aggressively pursue your right to be compensated. For instance, even if you successfully get an insurance company to pay, they may try to get you to agree to a low-ball offer in exchange for on-the-spot payment. This is less likely to happen with a lawyer by your side since he or she can determine the exact value of the compensation you are entitled to receive. Filing for compensation after a car accident can be an uphill climb. You raise your chances of getting a favorable outcome by working with a lawyer because he or she has the skills, experience, and the resources needed to build a solid case for you. Talk to your car accident lawyer today and start building your case so you can get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys are available in Oklahoma City call (405) 253-4478 or in Ardmore call (580) 798-0447.
6 Things You Should Do After Your First Car Accident
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported that Oklahoma had a total of 655 fatal car crashes in 2018. Often, you’ll never anticipate a car accident, especially when you’re confident in your driving experience and adherence to road use. Yet, a car crash, which is not necessarily your fault, can occur any time. If you get in a car accident, you might fret and forget to take measures to protect your rights. Drivers must know the steps to take after the first car accident. Check out this guide to know what to do after a car crash. 1. Stop After a road accident, you need to stop, whether or not your car has sustained any damages. Some drivers might feel that an accident is minor, and there’s no point in waiting for the long process involving the authorities. Driving away is the gravest mistake one can make after a road accident. You might need to confirm the state of the occupants in the other car. If the minor car crash hasn’t caused any injuries, exchange contact with the other party and get their insurance information. It is also advisable to get the contact information of the witnesses. Ensure that you protect the scene to avert more accidents. Keep the flashers on or use flares. At night, ensure that your lights are on to maintain your safety. 2. Check for Injuries You need to call 911 if you are injured in a car accident. If you have serious injuries, you need to wait for emergency personnel. Despite not having notable physical injuries, you’ll need to call 911 as you might be having internal injuries that are equally life-threatening. It is also prudent to check the occupants in your car and the other vehicle to know if they have sustained injuries that need an emergency response. Medical assistance for all the parties involved should be a priority. Amongst the first three people to seek after a car accident is a doctor. It would help to consult with a physician who deals with trauma injuries. The right doctor will ensure that you get relevant documentation for any damages, which is paramount if you file a lawsuit. 3. Call the Police The authorities should be central to your first car accident. Police officers usually fill a report based on the findings at the accident scene. You need to give accurate details of the accident for a comprehensive completion of the report. Request for a copy of the report to assist you in case you landed in court. The record will be one of the main proofs that will get you the compensation that you rightfully deserve. Avoid the temptation of settling the issue with the other party without involving the police. In situations where the police fail to come to the accident scene, visit the nearest police station to complete the report. Your insurer will need a copy of the report if you file a claim. As such, this is a step you don’t want to miss after an automobile injury. 4. Gather All Evidence You need to collect all information relating to the accident. Unless you’ve sustained severe injuries, gather as much evidence as possible to assist when filing a claim. Taking pictures and videos is the best way to record the damage caused by accidents. It could also help to note down the names and contacts of involved parties. Talk to witnesses and write their names and contact information. You might need to present the details if you ever find yourself in court. The number of insurance claims in the U.S. is high, with more than 6 million crashes every year. Insurance companies will require sufficient evidence to show that you were not at-fault before compensating. 5. Notify Your Insurance Provider Right Away If you get in your first car accident, you might be confused about who to call first. In your list of priorities, your insurance provider should have a high rank. It is vital to call the insurance company while you’re at the accident scene. The insurance provider will guide you on the steps you ought to take to file a claim. You will also receive caution on things to avoid, such as apologizing to the other party, which will be translated as admitting you are at-fault. Your insurance company will further tell you the steps you need to take if you have medical benefits in your coverage. While you might be in a financial crunch, don’t accept quick settlements. Know your rights and follow the right process of filing a claim. 6. Hire an Attorney With the notable importance of a car accident lawyer, it would be unfortunate not to hire one. If you’re in Oklahoma City, you can get a reliable personal injury attorney. The lawyer will guide you on the steps you need to take and what to expect. More importantly, an experienced attorney will negotiate for your compensation with the insurance provider. The lawyer will further represent you if the case proceeds to court. With a personal injury lawyer, you don’t have to worry about the legal fees as the attorney often works based on contingency fees. You Need to Protect Your Rights After a First Car Accident Unfortunately, most drivers don’t know what steps to take after a car crash. The situation leads to cases of rejected insurance claims. You need to follow several steps after a first car accident for you to get the rightful compensation. Hiring a lawyer for your car accident case is essential. It would be advisable to get a lawyer to assist you with the complex nature of car accidents through filing a claim. A reliable attorney will allow you to rest easy as you nurse any injuries you sustained. Do you need a car accident lawyer? Contact us today to get the best attorney in Oklahoma City. For immediate assistance call us at 405-253-4478.
The First Three People You Should Seek After a Car Accident and Why
Involvement in a car accident can be traumatic, but it is necessary to know what to do in order to protect your well-being and your legal rights, should you need to file a case. You will need assistance from qualified experts because you can’t afford to do this alone–monetarily or otherwise.
A Seasoned Car Accident Lawyer Offers Tips on Handling Lowball Offers
If you’ve never been in a car crash, congratulations–you’re the exception to the rule. Why? Because, according to data from CarInsurance.com, the average driver gets into a car accident once every 17.9 years. According to the math, a driver suffers about three crashes in the course of a lifetime, resulting in a major expense in terms of both vehicle repair and medical bills. Because you have likely been in a car crash, you probably know that you don’t always receive the recompense you deserve. In fact, most insurance adjusters will flat out lowball you.
Important Car Accident Information
The outcome of a car accident can be much more traumatizing and serious than most people would think. In addition to the damage to the vehicle, the driver or passenger can experience physical and emotional injuries from the accident. In fact, even a minor fender bender can result in serious neck and brain injuries to the person involved in the accident. On the other hand, the financial impact can also be staggering with unpaid bills, emergency medical expenses, and loss of income due to the injuries suffered by the individual. You may not be able to go to work for weeks, months, or perhaps ever again. If you or anyone in your family has been injured due to someone else’s fault, you deserve to be compensated for the process. Since you haven’t done anything wrong, you should not pay for the negligence of another driver. You should seek advice from an experience personal injury attorney as early as possible after a car accident that has caused injuries. This short article provides information that may be helpful after a car accident. A car accident can fall under three major categories such as driver injuries, passenger injuries, and pedestrian injuries. Some auto accident injuries include neck or what is commonly known as whiplash injury, broken bones, back injuries, internal injuries, head injury or concussion, shoulder injuries, and the list goes on. Whatever type of injury you or your family members undergo, you should strive to understand your options and take the correct legal action regarding your injuries. In fact, delaying the right course of action could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses as a result of the accident. Neck injuries are a common injury experienced by many car accident victims. This injury can be the result of being struck from behind as well as an impact to the side of your vehicle.  The injury occurs due to a violent forward-backward or side to side motion of the neck. This sudden movement can result in damage to vertebrae, muscles, nerves, and discs in the victim’s neck. Common symptoms of this type of injury include dizziness, headaches, the stiffness of the neck, nausea, and pain that spreads through the region. Recovery from neck injuries can take weeks if not months. An accident can be very traumatizing both physical and emotional; it can be difficult to focus on obtaining information and documenting exactly what happened as soon as possible after the accident, however, this step is very important. One of the most important things to do is stay at the scene of the accident until law enforcement officers arrive. It is also vital that you get a medical evaluation and treatment for any injuries you have sustained. Even if you have no physical symptoms you should seek a medical evaluation. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma City can help you understand your rights and help you obtain compensation for your injury. 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.
What You Should Know About DUI Accidents
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs could result in a hefty fine, a criminal record, and even a jail term – depending on the severity of the case. On the other hand, DUI accidents can cause serious injury or death to the driver, passengers, and the other individuals using the road network. A DUI charge – that results in bodily harm or death to another individual – is considered a felony in most of the states in the U.S. This article provides information on what you need to know about DUI accidents and the legal implications of the process. In case you have met with an accident, the law enforcement officials can stop and temporary detail you for the purpose of further interrogation. The officer may ask you if you have been drinking and look to see if there are any signs in plain view. In fact, the police officer can conduct field sobriety tests to ascertain if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In case the investigations lead to the conclusion that you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the officer has a probable cause to make an arrest under the DUI law. Although an accident may give the officer reasonable suspicion to further investigate the incident, only solid evidence of intoxication would give the officer probable cause for a DUI arrest. In fact, some states in the U.S allow for discretionary or mandatory BAC testing of the driver involved in an accident that causes serious injury or death to another individual. Depending on your state, the officer may conduct a BAC test to see whether you are driving under the influence of liquor or drugs. In fact, the testing may occur depending on the discretion of the officer on the scene. In most states, BAC testing after a serious accident may fall under one of the following categories. Mandatory Testing – Many states in the U.S. require BAC testing of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are involved in a serious accident. In fact, more than 50% of the U.S. States have mandatory BAC laws. Discretionary Testing – Some states allow for BAC testing depending on the discretion of the law enforcement or medical officer involved in the incident. More than ten U.S. States have discretionary testing laws. In case you or someone in your family is involved in a serious accident caused by a drunk driver, you can claim damages in a civil lawsuit – but you should be able to prove it. On the other hand, you can also pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in case a family member is killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. You have to establish the intoxication level of the driver and prove that this level is too high for the safe operation of the vehicle. That is where you need the services of a reliable DUI lawyer in town. Make sure that you choose the right candidate for the job. Contact Us to learn how we can help! 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.
