McAlester, OK Car Accident Attorney

How Our McAlester Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You!

The time after a serious car accident can be chaotic and scary, especially if you’ve suffered significant injuries and property damage. You are in a lot of pain and mental shock. Perhaps you are unable to work and you may be facing a lifetime of disability. The damage to your vehicle may leave you without transportation. You have to deal with all of these hardships while the bills are piling up. The thought of wrangling with insurance companies and the legal system may be too much to bear.

Stop worrying now! An accomplished Oklahoma auto accident attorney at Edwards & Patterson Law is ready to help ease the burden of going through a car accident lawsuit. We care about you and what you’re going through. We are prepared to fight for your right to car crash compensation and see your case through to a successful result.

To make sure you protect your rights and best interests, call on the skilled car accident lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law. It is important to call immediately before evidence disappears and witnesses forget details. We closely examine the circumstances of your crash and car accident lawsuit. We often work with experts to investigate and reconstruct the wreck. We add up all of the losses you suffered. We then build a strong case to seek the car crash compensation you need and deserve.

We are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and are passionate about fighting for accident victims to get proper car accident settlements throughout Oklahoma. We care. We fight. We win!

What Steps Should You Take After a Car Accident in McAlester?

The moments, hours and days following a serious car accident are understandably a very confusing time for victims. Knowing what to do after a car accident and understanding car accident laws can increase the likelihood of a full recovery – physically, emotionally and financially.

Stop at the scene.
Get out of harm’s way if possible.
Call 911.
Check yourself and others for serious injuries if you are able.
Seek medical treatment. Remember that some serious injuries do not show immediate symptoms, and “adrenaline” from the shock of a crash can mask injuries.
If you are not taken by ambulance to the hospital, get a full medical examination as soon as possible, and be sure to let the doctor know that you were in a crash.
Cooperate with the law enforcement officer who responds to the call.
When talking to the police, answer questions honestly, but do not speculate or provide more information than you are asked.
Obtain contact information, identification and insurance details from all the other drivers involved in the accident. Also get contact info for any witnesses.
Take as many photos as you can of the accident scene, the damaged vehicles, your injuries and anything else that might be useful. If you are unable to do so yourself, ask someone else on the scene to take photos for you. Cellphones are very handy for this purpose.
Report the accident to your insurance company, but do not provide a written or recorded statement without the advice of your attorney.
Get help from a qualified car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you call, the sooner your lawyer can begin investigating the crash and dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Follow through with all medical appointments and treatments.
Take daily notes about how your injuries have affected your life.
Do not accept a quick settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company. It is most likely far less than you deserve.

What Should I Expect After a Car Accident?

The moments after a collision are often filled with stress, pain, and confusion. However, it’s important to remain calm and stay focused on your situation in the moment. One of the most important steps to take is to make sure you are in a safe location and avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. This often means moving your vehicle to the side of the road, if possible. If you can do so safely, you should take pictures of your vehicle, the scene of the accident, and the other vehicles involved.

You should never, under any circumstances, leave the scene of an accident before police and emergency medical help arrives.

Pay attention to any injuries or sensations of pain and call emergency services. It is critical that you seek medical attention. This should happen as soon as possible to get the proper treatment and diagnosis of your injuries. Sometimes, symptoms of severe injuries may not appear until days or weeks after the accident. Be aware of late-developing injuries and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Taking these initial steps and being diligent about attending follow-up medical appointments could have a big impact on the recovery of your health. The diagnosis from your doctor may also be an integral part of an injury claim.

What Should I Do After an Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

If you are able to safely approach the other driver, you should ask for the following information:

Auto insurance
Driver’s license
License plate number
Personal contact details

The other driver will likely want to get the same information from you.

Also, you should take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident and any other damaged property. You should keep track of anything the at-fault driver says to you, but it is likely a better idea to let the police do any investigating or questioning.

Be sure not to say anything that could be viewed as an admission of fault. Even though your instinct might be to apologize, the less you say, the better.

What Should I Do if I Think the Crash Was My Fault?

You may be unsure if your actions may have led to the crash. You should know that investigations often show that drivers were only partially at fault for the collision that caused serious injuries. Even if you are concerned about the consequences of the accident, you should keep in mind that all of the facts are not readily apparent in the confusion that follows a crash.

You should avoid stating anything that that could be perceived as admitting fault or responsibility. You won’t know for sure who was at fault or if you are owed compensation until you speak with an attorney about the crash.

How Do I File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident?

The first step to take regarding an insurance claim is to report to your insurer the fact that you were involved in an accident. Different insurance carriers process claims in different ways. Your carrier may conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Most conversations with insurance companies, whether your own or the other driver’s, are recorded. Do not provide any insurance company with a written or recorded statement about the cause of the accident without the help of a lawyer. Insurance companies may even watch your activity in public and on social media, so be aware of your actions following an injury accident.

Depending on the policy, you may be entitled to immediate reimbursement for certain expenses. You should confirm whether your insurance company covers vehicle repairs, car rentals, or medical expenses after an accident. You should keep track of any receipts or records that arise after an accident.

Visit Our McAlester Car Accident Law Offices:

What Our Clients Say

"Both of these men are of the highest moral character. They can be depended upon."

— Gene W.

“Couldn't have asked for a better attorney! I was in an accident a few years back that resulted in some back pain and major damage to my vehicle. Mr. Edwards was able to get all of my medical bills and vehicle bills covered and did so quickly.”

— Kristin

How Long Does It Take to Get Compensation After a Car Accident?

Because every car accident and claim is unique, the timeline for getting compensation will vary. Many states have laws in place that determine how quickly an insurance carrier must acknowledge a claim and how quickly a decision must be made.

In Oklahoma, insurance companies typically have 45 days after receiving a claim to pay. If the accident resulted in a fatality, caused serious injuries, or involved several vehicles, it could take longer for your claim to be resolved. You should consult with an attorney to make sure your claim is filed correctly. An experienced lawyer can also make sure that your best interests are represented accurately throughout the claims process.

Why Do I Need a McAlester Auto Accident Attorney?

Car accidents can quickly derail your life. You may be unsure of how to pay your medical bills, how you will support your family, and how you’ll replace your damaged vehicle.

An attorney can help you navigate the insurance process while exploring all your available legal options. With a knowledgeable car accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on recovery while they deal with the insurance companies. They may also advise you to file an injury lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for the crash if that is what is necessary to pursue fair compensation.

Only hire an attorney that you trust, and make sure that they have experience handling car accident claims. A knowledgeable law firm will consult with you about your case, explain your legal options, and will advise you on the best course of action for your claim.

Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer

The car accident attorneys of Edwards & Patterson Law know how devastating an injury accident can be. We fight to secure fair compensation for car accident victims. We’re ready to put our experience to work for you.

Our team of trial attorneys has represented Oklahomans in Tulsa, McAlester, and throughout the state. We are here to help try to make things right after a crash. This means seeking the financial compensation that will help you replace your damaged property, pay your medical bills, replace lost wages, cover your pain and suffering, and help you move on with your life.

If you were seriously hurt in a car accident in Oklahoma, contact Edwards & Patterson Law by phone or online today for a free confidential consultation that comes with no strings attached.

What Caused Your Motor Vehicle Accident?

There are many different factors that could lead to an auto accident resulting in personal injuries. Some of the most common include:

Distracted driving (texting while driving)
This has become a major problem in recent years, as most drivers have cell phones that create major distractions. It’s important for motorists to avoid talking on a phone or texting while driving. Taking your eyes off the road for several seconds at a time can make it difficult to avoid a crash if traffic suddenly changes. Technology isn’t the only source of driver distraction. Even simple actions like eating, talking, tending to children or grooming can divert a driver’s attention.

Drunk driving or driving under the influence drugs
Drunk driving continues to be an issue throughout the country, including here in Oklahoma. Motorists with blood alcohol content (BAC) levels above 0.08 percent are considered to be legally intoxicated, however even drivers with lower BAC levels may be more likely to cause serious car accidents. Drug impairment is another major safety issue. Not only illegal drugs, but also prescription and over-the-counter drugs can make a driver unsafe on the road.

Many people operate their vehicles while overly tired due to lack of sleep or too little rest. This can be nearly as dangerous as intoxicated driving, as drowsy or fatigued motorists have reduced reaction times and may even fall asleep at the wheel. Driver fatigue is a particular problem for long-haul truck drivers and nightshift workers.

Reckless driving
Speeding, darting back and forth quickly between lanes, running red lights, tailgating, and other aggressive tactics are all incredibly dangerous, especially when there is a lot of traffic. These behaviors are often the result of road rage when drivers fail to keep their emotions in check.

Inclement weather
In rainy, icy, snowy or foggy conditions, all drivers have the responsibility to drive cautiously and reduce their speed to avoid accidents. If they fail to do so, they make our roads and highways more dangerous for everyone. Foul weather is not a valid excuse for a crash. Drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles under control no matter the weather.

Vehicle defects
Some vehicles are defective by design or in the way they were manufactured. Auto defects may cause an accident, such as when a tire blows out, airbag problems, or brake failure. In some cases, the accident was caused by something else, but a defect made the injuries worse than they should have been – for example, when an air bag fails to deploy or a roof crushes down.

Teen drivers – Inexperience, immaturity, and feelings of invincibility are but a few traits that contribute to the high accident rates among the youngest drivers on the roads of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Car Accident Facts

Car crashes are an all-to-common occurrence in Oklahoma. The vast majority of these accidents result from carelessness or recklessness on the part of a driver or someone else responsible for the safety of motorists.

If someone else’s negligence caused the accident that injured you, Oklahoma law may allow you to recover compensation from the at-fault party.

If someone else’s negligence caused the accident that injured you, Oklahoma law may allow you to recover compensation from the at-fault party. The state uses a “tort” or “fault” system, unlike some jurisdictions that follow no-fault rules. This means that victims of crashes in Oklahoma can pursue compensation from the at-fault parties and their insurance carriers.

Even if you were partly to blame for the accident, you may still be able to recover partial compensation for your losses. That’s because Oklahoma uses a legal rule called “comparative fault.” Under this law, accident victims who were also negligent can still recover part of their damages, so long as they were not 51 percent or more to blame for the crash. The compensation would be reduced according to the percentage of fault. For example, if a driver were 10 percent to blame and suffered $100,000 in losses, he or she could recover $90,000.

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What are the Insurance Laws in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma requires all motorists to carry liability coverage. The minimum required limits are 25/50/25. This means the policy must provide liability coverage for up to $25,000 in bodily injury insurance per person, $50,000 in total bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage.

Even though Oklahoma law requires auto insurance, many drivers lack even minimum coverage. Even if a driver carries minimum coverage, it may not be enough to pay for serious injuries.

If you are hurt in an accident caused by someone with too little insurance or none at all, you may be entitled to car crash compensation through the uninsured motorist / underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy. However, even when dealing with “your” insurance company, you are likely to find that the company is reluctant to pay the full value of your claim. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help to ensure that you recover what you deserve from all available sources.

An Auto Accident Lawyer Can Seek Car Crash Compensation For You

The negligence of a driver or another party generally plays a role in a accident lawsuit. At Edwards & Patterson Law, we take immediate action to investigate the true cause of your crash and determine who was really at fault. We follow up by seeking compensation from the responsible parties and their insurance companies, leaving no stone unturned.

If you’ve been involved in a serious car accident resulting in injuries, call on the experienced Oklahoma lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law. We offer free case evaluations with no strings attached. Call us today at 877-403-8417 or contact us online. Our team takes cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless you recover monetary damages.

There are many auto accident injuries that could occur, even from a minor fender bender. People hurt in auto accidents may be hospitalized for long periods and continued care may be required at home. The seven most common auto accident injuries are:

#1 The Most Common Auto Accident Injuries Are Scrapes and Bruises

Most auto accident injuries are minor scrapes and bruises that wouldn’t normally require a doctor’s attention; however, when you are injured in a car accident it is important to receive a medical exam in case of hidden or internal injuries.

#2 Ankle or Foot injuries

Since it is a natural instinct to brace yourself when you see an accident about to occur, injuries to the feet and ankles are the second most common auto accident injuries. These can be the most troubling injuries because we are dependent on the feet and ankles to bear the weight of our bodies as we perform our daily duties, either at work or home. However, when we are unable to perform our duties at work, this could lead to a loss of income. You may require the services of a profession personal injury attorney to assist you in being compensated for lost income.

#3 Injuries to the Knees

Oftentimes during that brace, we lock our knees or they are slammed into the dashboard; therefore, injuries to the knees are the third most common injury.

#4 Injuries to the Abdomen

Injuries to the abdomen are most common for the driver, as the steering is driven into the stomach area. These impacts cause the most internal injuries.

#5 Injuries to the Chest

Even when everyone in the car is buckled into their seat belts or in car seats, chest injuries occur due to the seat belts tightening on impact to keep the car occupants from being thrown around inside the car or through the windshield. Auto accident injuries to the chest can result in damage to the internal organs.

#6 Injuries to the Neck, Trachea, or Ribs

Frequently the seat belts slide from the shoulder into the neck area causing injuries to the neck or trachea. Lacerations in the neck area can cause serious bleeding and a collapsed trachea can be fatal. Injuries to the neck could also include whiplash from the sudden whipping of the head forward and then back on impact. Since the nerves controlling the hands and arms travel through the cervical vertebrae, injuries in this area can cause paralysis to the arms or hands. Spinal cord injuries can also occur, causing paralysis.

#7 Head Injuries

Many cars now have seat belts that automatically buckle when you enter or seat sensors with buzzers that do not stop until everyone is buckled up. These features and the fact that many states, including Oklahoma and Arkansas, have a penalty for not wearing seat belts help to keep down the number of head injuries. In fact, Oklahoma has one of the most stringent seatbelt laws in the nation. Therefore, head injuries are the least common of the auto accident injuries, but when they do occur, these are obviously the most dangerous.

“We care. We fight. We win!”

Call our office in McAlester or Tulsa, 877-402-7308. Or, use the convenient contact form on our website to start the process of getting you and your family the compensation you deserve. The Oklahoma personal injury lawyers at Edwards and Patterson Law want to ensure you and your family receive every penny you deserve for those auto accident injuries. Furthermore, we will try to ensure your medical expenses, car repairs, and incidental expenses are fully paid without a penny out of your pocket.

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