Your life can change dramatically in an instant because of a car accident. A routine commute through Oklahoma City can suddenly turn into painful injuries, expensive bills, and concerns for the future. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you file an auto accident claim against the driver who hit you so that you can seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered because of their carelessness.
Why You Need a Local Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer to File an Insurance Claim
Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out maximum compensation. They’re designed to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. Without help from a local attorney, you risk accepting far less than your claim is worth. You might even walk away with nothing at all.
A local attorney brings critical advantages to your claim. They have deep knowledge of Oklahoma’s specific legal statutes, understand local court systems, and have established relationships with medical providers and expert witnesses. They’re familiar with relevant Oklahoma auto insurance claim laws and how they apply to your case. Their local knowledge gives them leverage to apply when dealing with insurance companies and local adjusters.
One important law that local accident attorneys understand is Oklahoma’s comparative negligence rule, which could influence the compensation you may receive. Under this system, a court hearing a car accident case will assign each involved party a percentage of fault based on how their actions contributed to the case. Any compensation awarded to the injured party will be reduced in line with their percentage of fault. And if the injured party is more than 50 percent to blame for the accident, they cannot recover any money at all.
Insurance companies love this rule because it helps them get out of paying accident victims fairly. But a local attorney knows how to use the law to your advantage, maximizing your compensation by minimizing your share of fault.
Steps Involved in Filing a Car Accident Claim
Here are the steps your Oklahoma City car accident lawyer will follow during the car insurance claim process.
Investigating the Crash
Critical evidence can disappear quickly in the chaotic aftermath of a car crash. A car accident lawyer understands the urgency of preserving the evidence that can make or break your claim. Our rapid response team ensures that critical evidence is preserved. While you focus on your recovery, your legal team will work methodically to gather and secure evidence that tells the whole story of the incident.
This might involve coordinating with local law enforcement, requesting official reports, identifying and interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts to understand how the collision occurred.
Getting Medical Care and Gathering Documentation
Your attorney can help connect you with appropriate medical specialists, gather relevant medical documentation of your injuries, track medical expenses and future treatment projections, work with medical providers to defer billing until settlement, and build a comprehensive medical record that accurately reflects your injuries.
Preparing and Submitting Your Insurance Claims
Once they understand who caused the collision and what you’ve suffered as a result, your attorney can begin submitting your claims. They’ll send demand letters to at-fault parties and their insurance providers, outlining your version of events and detailing how much money it takes to offset your financial and personal losses.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
At this point, your attorney will start negotiating for a fair settlement that pays you compensation without having to go to trial to get it. Your lawyer will counter lowball settlement offers, leveraging Oklahoma case law and their experience with similar car accident claims to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. They will also prepare your case for trial, both to keep the pressure up and be ready if the insurer doesn’t make you a fair offer.
Preparing a Litigation Strategy
Should negotiations stall, your lawyer will file a complaint with the local court to begin the litigation process. They will build their case by gathering comprehensive evidence, preparing expert witness testimony, and developing a strategic litigation approach.
Do I Have to Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their primary goal is to minimize their employer’s financial liability. When they request a recorded statement, they’re looking for any information they can use to reduce or deny your claim. Be aware that you are not legally required to provide a recorded statement, and in most cases, it’s advisable to decline.
A skilled car accident lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. They understand that what seems like an innocent statement can be twisted or taken out of context to undermine your claim. Your attorney will protect your legal rights by managing all interactions. That way, you don’t inadvertently say something that could compromise your potential compensation.
How Long After a Collision Can You File a Claim?
The standard deadline to file a car accident claim in Oklahoma is two years from when it occurred. While the timeline appears simple at first glance, it contains hidden complexities. Specific claim categories, such as government vehicle incidents, may have unique filing deadlines that differ from standard timelines.
Delaying action may result in the loss of your right to claim damages. Courts enforce strict time limits for filing claims. After the statute of limitations passes, the court can dismiss any personal injury lawsuit you file as untimely, and you can lose your opportunity to recover compensation.
In Pain? Call Cain
When a car crash turns your world upside down, Cain Law stands ready to fight for your rights. Our commitment to Oklahoma clients goes beyond legal representation – we’re your advocates, your support system, and your path to justice.
We have won over $100 million for Oklahoma clients and have more than 100 years of combined legal experience. We’re available 24/7, with no upfront costs and no charge for initial consultations. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
We understand that accidents don’t wait for convenient moments. Our legal team is ready to start on your case immediately, coming to you at home, in the hospital, or wherever you need us. Your health is our priority, and we’ll help you navigate medical care while building a comprehensive case.
Our rapid-response team launches an immediate, in-depth investigation into your situation, and our extensive experience handling car wreck claims helps us handle yours efficiently and expediently.
When you’re in pain, we’re here to help. Call Cain Law today.