Car Accidents

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 41,000 people in the U.S. die in auto accidents each year. Car accidents are a daily occurrence in Oklahoma. Generally, a lawyer does not need to be involved. But, oftentimes, issues arise about who is at fault (liability) and the damages to which the injured is entitled. That's one of the reasons it's a good idea to have an accident report completed by a police officer. Settling the property damage claim is usually one of the first things the client wants to have completed. If a lawsuit is filed, the person who caused the accident is almost always represented by an insurance company and its attorneys. Insurance companies defend against personal injury auto accident cases all the time. The insurance companies have a financial incentive to delay paying a settlement and to pay as little as possible. We will deal with the insurance company to increase your changes of appropriate compensation. Before we file a lawsuit we will attempt to settle your claim with the insurance adjuster.

Things you should do, if possible, after an Oklahoma car accident are:

  • Get the contact information of the person who caused the accident. The information should include the license plate number and insurance information.
  • Get the contact information for anyone present during the accident. Impartial witnesses often make the difference in a case's outcome when, for example, two drivers blame each other.
  • Insist that the police officer at the accident scene write up an accident report.
  • Take photos of your car, the car that belongs to the person who caused the accident, and the area surrounding the accident scene.
  • Document as much as you can about the accident, including how the accident happened, damage to your car, and any injuries sustained.
  • Seek medical attention immediately. Remember to explain to your doctor how the injuries occurred.

Be mindful that any insurance adjuster who calls you is calling on behalf of both the insurance company and the person who caused the car wreck.

Blog Posts on Car Accidents: