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 at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation.Â
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City
Where To Hire An Motorcycle Accident Lawyer In Oklahoma City There are a lot of lawyers in Oklahoma City that you can hire. But, only a few will be familiar with motorcycle accident laws. You want to find those people that know their stuff so you can come out of this with the compensation you deserve. There are a lot of lawyers that work with vehicle related injuries. You want to, however, make sure they know about motorcycle accidents and not just general vehicle accidents. One way to find out if they are able to work on your case is to find reviews about them that were written by people that were in motorcycle accidents that worked with the lawyer. If it seems like most people that worked with them were happy with the outcome of everything, then you can trust that lawyer more. There are a lot of lawyers that charge good rates, but some are going to charge much more than what is fair. That’s why you have to call around to see what you’re going to have to pay. Sometimes, there are lawyers that won’t make you pay unless you win the case and get compensation for things like injuries you sustained. Either way you go about it, you need to figure out what fair prices are in your area. The only way to find that out is to contact enough attorneys to get an idea of what the going rate is for lawyer services in Oklahoma City. Don’t talk to anyone but your lawyer about the accident. If you are asked anything by the other party, they may be trying to get you caught up in saying something that makes you lose your case. You’re always better off telling people that want to know information that you need to talk to your lawyer before you can answer any of the questions they may have for you. Otherwise, you can trap yourself on accident and end up on the losing side of things. A good lawyer will help you deal with the questions and will help you in court, too, when tough questions come up. When you have a motorcycle accident, you need to find a motorcycle accident attorney in Oklahoma City. They can help you get help with the case you have on your hands so you don’t have to worry about things like medical bills. Only work with the best lawyer you can afford for the best results. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation.Â
Lane Splitting: Why Motorcyclists Shouldn’t Do This in Oklahoma
One of the most convenient ways for motorcycle riders to squeeze past traffic jams and get to their next destination faster is by doing lane splitting. Motorcyclists who lane split use the space between lanes to pass through, instead of following a single designated lane. While lane splitting does help motorcycles bypass the long line of vehicles wider than them, it is not something that a motorist should do on the road. The following reasons should discourage you from lane splitting. First Off, It’s Illegal! Lane splitting is not legal in the state of Oklahoma. According to Oklahoma Statute 47-11-1103(D), motorcycles, along with electric-assisted bicycles, motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, and motor-driven cycles, shall not overtake vehicles between traffic lanes going in the same direction. It adds, though, that the statute does not apply to emergency vehicle operators. The law is clear: Lane splitting is illegal unless you are a police officer or an emergency responder. When the authorities catch you in the act of committing such a traffic offense, you will receive points to your driving record along with a traffic ticket. Accumulating 10 points or more within a five-year period will result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Motorcycle Riders Are More Vulnerable to Injury On top of being illegal, motorcycle riders are automatically more susceptible to injury simply because of how they’re exposed, compared to other motorists. Motorcyclists who lane split have a greater chance of colliding with another vehicle due to their proximity to that vehicle. Lane splitting during a red light or a traffic jam can also be disastrous, as motorcycle riders can hit a car door that opens without warning, resulting in potential injury. Likelihood of a Multi-Vehicle Collision Increases Motorcyclists are not the only individuals in danger when they lane split. They also endanger other motorists in the process. Other vehicles, in response to lane splitting, may attempt to swerve to avoid hitting a motorcycle rider. Unfortunately, this raises the likelihood of a side collision with an adjacent vehicle. Additionally, the probability of a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision is high, especially when motorcycle riders do lane splitting on a busy highway. What to Do in a Lane Splitting Accident Given the dangers of lane splitting, it is best for all motorcyclists to drive safely, conservatively, and lawfully. If you happen to be the unfortunate victim of a lane splitting motorcycle accident, take these steps to enable you to hold the motorist accountable for negligence as well as recover compensation for damages. File Your Claim as Early as Possible – The statute of limitations allows you only two years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit. So, gather and preserve supporting evidence as early as possible. Store Medical Bills in a Safe Place – You’ll need to keep all financial losses related to the motorcycle accident, including the medical treatment costs, to allow you to recover damages. Keep a Journal of Your Health Condition – If you’re facing an extended recovery period, a daily health journal can help your attorney negotiate a fair settlement. When you need a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma City, turn to Little Oliver Gallagher PLLC. We’ll guide you through the steps of filing a claim as well as pursue maximum compensation for you. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation.Â
Car Accident Attorney When To Hire
Your family or friends might have suggested you work with a car accident attorney have your recent automobile accident from which you suffered injuries and damages to your health your property respectively. You are faced with ensuing expenses and deciding to seek the services of an automobile accident lawyer, in the midst of the crisis, is a wise move. Why Not Hire Any Other Lawyer! Well, you need to consider the complexities of law and its many principles that can be leveraged when faced with a lawsuit. You need the services of a professional who understand the law and is mandated, as per the profession, to advise, assist, and represent you in court. You cannot just settle for any random attorney when it comes to cases of car accidents. Traffic accidents will involve two or more parties with there being a victim and the party at fault. If you are the victim, you reserve the right to claim compensation. Conversely, you need to know how to mitigate the ensuing consequences if you are at fault and have a case to answer. In both instances, you will need a traffic accident attorney on your side. When To Contact The Lawyer Assume you can still stand and make sense of things after the accident, it is crucial that you be calm and assess the situation. Avoid making any drastic decisions, such as confronting the party at fault, because this can affect your chances of getting compensated. Instead, make sure you are safe and then contact the police followed by your attorney to inform him or her of the situation and to come at the scene. Avoid taking too much with the police if you are at fault; only talk when your lawyer is present even if you are apprehended and brought for booking. What Is The Fee For Hiring An Auto Accident Lawyer? Most attorneys who handle compensation cases offer their services on a “no win – no fee” basis; it means the advocate can take your case and represent you on a contingency arrangement and will get paid after you are awarded your claim, or you get a satisfactory settlement. As such, the lawyer is bound to be driven to do an excellent job in representing you since there will be no pay if the case is not won or settled. The contingency agreement will be on an agreed fee which is a pre-determined and agreed upon percentage (can be anywhere between 30% -50%, but negotiable) to be deducted from the claim the attorney will be fighting for you to receive. However, keep in mind that the advocate will consider taking up your case only after assessing and evaluating the facts and evidence of the matter to determine the chances of winning and the possible hurdles that may change that outcome. Also, the contingency fee may be higher depending on the complexities of your case. Make sure that you understand the terms of the agreement to know if the lawyer will deduct the court costs first or only their pay from the settlement. The Verdict You will need the services of a car accident attorney if you are involved in a traffic accident and seek compensation or have accused of being at fault. The advocate you hire should be a reputable professional with years of experience specializing in cases related to automobile accident compensation. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation.Â
Car Accident Liability Based on Negligent Entrustment of a Vehicle
Negligence of another driver is often the basis for many car accident lawsuits. In essence, a negligent driver is someone whose thoughtless behavior or careless manner has directly caused harm or injury to another person. For instance, a driver who failed to stop during a red light and rear ended another car is considered negligent.
Considerations that Could Impact Your Car Accident Case in Terms of Compensation
The impact of a severe car wreck goes far beyond the moments just after the accident. It can affect other areas of your personal and work life, especially if you’re severely injured. If one of these accidents happens and you’re not responsible for it, there are factors you should know that could affect how much compensation you receive, or if you receive any at all.
