Were you injured in a car accident in Oklahoma? If someone else’s negligence was to blame, you could be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries and related losses. However, getting the money you are owed may not be as easy as you think. The other party might refuse to accept responsibility and could try to shift blame for the crash onto you. Their insurance company might also fight against your injury claim to save the company money, forcing you into a battle you might not be prepared for.

Fortunately, you don’t have to pursue this compensation and justice alone. At Edwards & Patterson Law, our Oklahoma car accident lawyers have spent decades fighting on behalf of people like you. To learn how we can help you maximize your recovery, contact us for a free initial consultation.

The actions you take after a traffic collision in Oklahoma can significantly impact your ability to recover the money you’re owed. To claim financial compensation after an auto accident, you need to prove that the other driver caused the car crash and your subsequent injuries and losses.

You can protect yourself and demonstrate the other driver’s fault with the following steps:

  • Gather evidence from the accident scene – Before leaving the motor vehicle accident scene, be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Take photos of the accident scene, visible damage to the vehicles, and your injuries.
  • Ask eyewitnesses for statements – If any third-party witnesses saw the accident occur, you should approach them politely and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement. You can write down what they say or record it on your phone. Be sure to request names and contact information in case you need to follow up with them later.
  • Keep track of all crash-related documentation – Hang on to accident reports, vehicle repair estimates, insurance paperwork, and any other accident-related documentation you may need for your claim.
  • Watch what you say to others about the wreck – When you speak to any third parties, avoid apologizing or saying anything that could suggest you were at fault. If you feel uncertain about what to say, seek advice from an attorney or even have them handle all communication for you. Avoid social media while your claim is pending, as insurance companies may monitor your accounts for any differences in your statements.

What Should I Do When Injured in an Accident?

Female driver offering cash to the other driver for car accident damages.If you were injured as a result of a car collision, you can protect your ability to claim reimbursement for medical expenses and other losses by:

  • Seeking prompt medical attention – Even if you don’t feel hurt, visit the doctor as soon as possible to ensure any injuries are properly diagnosed, treated, and added to your official medical records.
  • Following your doctor’s care plan – Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled, take medications as prescribed, and follow any other instructions your doctor recommends in your care plan. Not only will this speed up your recovery process, but it will also demonstrate that you are taking your health seriously.
  • Saving all injury-related documentation – Keep track of any documentation related to your injuries or financial losses. This includes medical records, hospital invoices, doctor’s bills, and pharmacy receipts. If you missed time at work due to your injury, you should also keep your bank records, pay stubs, or any other documentation showing lost earnings.
  • Establishing a pain journal – In some cases, you can claim compensation for pain and suffering after an accident. But it can be difficult to prove how much you are owed. You can strengthen your claim with entries from a pain journal where you record daily observations about the pain levels and physical limitations you have experienced since the wreck.
  • Contacting a personal injury lawyer – An experienced personal injury attorney can calculate the full compensation you’re owed and then demand a fair settlement on your behalf.

Why Do I Need an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer?

While you do not have to work with a personal injury attorney after an Oklahoma car accident, retaining legal help is generally an excellent idea. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you by:

  • Explaining your legal rights and your options for seeking compensation
  • Conducting an independent investigation of the accident
  • Obtaining medical records, accident reports, and other useful evidence
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses and experts for valuable testimony
  • Communicating with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
  • Managing important documents and deadlines
  • Filing insurance claims to demand the compensation you are owed
  • Taking your case to court, if the insurance company refuses to pay
  • Representing you at trial and all the way through to appeal, if necessary

What Can I Expect to Recover in an Oklahoma Car Accident Claim?

Depending on the circumstances, you could be entitled to compensation for the following types of losses after a motor vehicle accident:

  • Crash-related medical expenses
  • Incidental costs, such as traveling to medical appointments
  • Lost wages from missed time at work
  • Projected losses in future earning potential
  • The intangible costs of your pain and suffering

When Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

You should seek prompt legal representation if:

  • You suffered serious physical or emotional injuries
  • Your injuries prevented you from working for any length of time
  • It’s unclear who was responsible for the accident
  • There were multiple other parties involved in the accident
  • The accident occurred in a construction, school, or work zone
  • The accident involved an uninsured or underinsured motorist
  • The insurance company representative asks you to provide a statement

Remember, the insurance company is a for-profit entity whose adjusters want to give you as little money as possible to protect their employer’s bottom line. An experienced Oklahoma car accident attorney can stand up to their tactics and demand the full and fair compensation you’re owed.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Lawsuit in Oklahoma?

Two years is the time limit established by the state of Oklahoma for filing a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. Knowing this time limit is very important. If you have not filed your personal injury lawsuit within that two-year time period, you will have forfeited your opportunity to have your car accident lawsuit heard in court. Do not delay if you are considering filing an injury lawsuit.

Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer Today

The Oklahoma car accident attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law are ready to help you seek the money you deserve. Contact our firm to learn more about your legal options in a free, no-obligation initial case review.