At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we advocate for the needs of those injured in car accidents. Our Moore car accident lawyers have experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents. After a car crash, you might face mounting medical bills, property damage, and missed time from work. Our experienced car accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries and property damage.
We are proud to fight for car accident victims and can also fight for you. Learn more about what to do after a Moore auto accident below. Then, contact our Moore car accident attorneys to schedule a free case consultation.
- Recoverable Damages in Car Accidents
- Negligence in Moore Car Accident Cases
- Car Accident Claims and Comparative Negligence
- Allow an Injury Attorney to Review Your Case
Our Moore Car Accident Attorney Fights for Those Injured in Car Accidents
You may have questions about your legal rights if you’ve been in a car accident in Moore.
In general, to make the most of a car accident claim:
- Go to the doctor if you are hurt, and follow the doctor’s advice.
- Make sure everything is documented concerning the accident and the damages afterward.
- Don’t miss the statute of limitations. For non-governmental entities, this is two years from the date of the wreck.
My (Clayton here) wife, our kids, and I used to walk over to Veteran’s Memorial Park from the neighborhood we lived in just east of there. Moore is known for its tornados, but we also enjoyed living close to the Warren Theater and the short drive to Royal Bavaria. Moore gets a lot of heavy traffic through I-35, so car wrecks are common.
A Motor Vehicle Accident Can Lead To Serious Injuries
Injuries sustained in a car accident can be life-altering temporarily and sometimes result in permanent effects. You will likely miss time at work, incur substantial medical bills, and suffer through painful medical treatment that your injuries may necessitate. If another person is responsible for the accident that led to your injuries, a lawyer can help you seek financial compensation.
It can be difficult to balance time away from work, your family at home, recovery from serious injuries, and financial concerns. Dealing with insurance companies is rarely easy, and many details about the process need to be noticed. A personal injury lawyer can handle the insurance companies on your behalf and work to ensure that your claim ends with a fair recovery.
Recoverable Damages in Car Accidents
There are a variety of damages that injury victims can pursue in a car accident claim based on negligence. Everyday items of compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of wages and future earnings
- Vehicle or other property damage
- Pain and suffering
The combination of lost time from work and high medical expenses can be stressful and overwhelming, especially while struggling to physically and emotionally recover from the injuries.
Common Mistakes Made After Car Accidents
- Leaving the scene prematurely: Some people leave the accident scene too quickly because they think they are not injured or the damage is minor. This can lead to problems later in proving the accident details. Always wait for the police to arrive and file a report.
- Not gathering enough evidence: Failing to take photos of the scene, the damage, and getting contact info from witnesses is a common oversight. Documenting everything about the accident is crucial for your insurance claim and any legal action. Use your smartphone to take pictures and make notes.
- Admitting fault: Sometimes, individuals admit fault at the scene because they feel guilty or are under pressure. However, admitting fault can complicate your legal and insurance proceedings. It’s best to limit your conversation with the other party and not discuss fault until you speak with an attorney.
- Neglecting medical attention: Many skip a medical check because they don’t feel hurt immediately. Injuries like whiplash or internal bruising might not show symptoms immediately but can have long-term effects. Always get a medical evaluation after an accident, even if you feel fine.
- Talking directly to insurance companies: People often negotiate with insurance companies without legal guidance. This can lead to accepting a lower compensation than deserved. It’s important to let experienced lawyers handle communications with insurance companies to ensure fair treatment.
Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident
A few key steps you should follow after a car accident include:
- Check for injuries: Immediately after an accident, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
- Ensure safety: Move to a safe location, if possible, without leaving the scene. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call the police: Even for minor accidents, it’s important to have a police report. The report is crucial for insurance claims and legal matters.
- Exchange information: Swap contact and insurance information with the other driver. Do not discuss who is at fault during this exchange.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident from different angles, showing the damage to all vehicles involved. Also, capture street signs or other relevant details.
- Look for witnesses: If bystanders saw the accident, get their contact information. They could be crucial in verifying the accident details.
- Contact your attorney: Consult your Moore car accident attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster. They can advise you on how to proceed without jeopardizing your claim.
Negligence in Moore Car Accident Cases
Most injury claims related to car accidents arise from negligent behavior. Legal negligence occurs when individuals fail to live up to the standard of reasonable behavior. This is what the defendant did or did not do that caused the collision.
In car accident cases, drivers must follow traffic laws for their safety and the safety of passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Drivers who cause accidents due to driving under the influence or not stopping at a stop sign will be held responsible for all expenses related to injuries sustained.
While disobeying traffic laws is not automatic proof of negligence, it is usually a good indicator of fault and liability in a car accident claim. The insurance company will accept liability if the other driver is cited for a traffic violation. However, this does not mean that the insurance company will agree with the treating doctors that the wreck caused all the injuries that required medical treatment. A common insurance defense ploy is to claim that the medical bills or treatment are excessive or too lengthy.
Car Accident Claims and Comparative Negligence
In some car accident claims, more than one driver may be responsible for an accident that led to injuries. Injury victims themselves may bear some degree of fault for the accident. When this situation occurs, the principle of comparative fault may still allow injury victims to recover compensation for their losses.
If an injury victim is more than 50 percent at fault for a car accident, Oklahoma Statutes §23-13 prevents the person from obtaining anything in the lawsuit. If the party is less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, however, they still may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the other parties who may be at fault. This fault percentage will reduce the verdict to the plaintiff by that percentage.
Allow an Injury Attorney to Review Your Case
Whenever negligence or carelessness causes an accident where you or a loved one suffers injuries, you should consider exploring the possibility of a personal injury claim. A Moore car accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your case, evaluate any legal claims you may have, and help you make decisions about pursuing those claims.
While contacting legal counsel may not be foremost in your thoughts following a car accident, there are time limits on your ability to file personal injury claims. You may speak to a Moore car accident attorney as quickly as possible following your accident to avoid missing opportunities to pursue your claim.
Why You Need Our Moore Car Accident Attorney To Fight for You
- Experience and expertise: Our Moore car accident attorneys have experience handling complex accident claims. We know how to navigate the legal system to secure your best outcome. Our expertise allows us to anticipate and counter-tactics used by insurance companies.
- Maximizing your compensation: We are skilled at calculating the true cost of your accident, considering both immediate and future impacts. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We fight to get you full compensation that covers all your needs.
- Personalized attention: Every accident and every client’s situation is unique. We give personalized attention to each case, ensuring we understand every detail. Our approach is to tailor our legal strategies to fit your specific circumstances.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts. Our attorneys are tough negotiators who know how to deal with insurers effectively. We ensure that you are treated fairly and that your claims are taken seriously.
- No fee unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without any upfront financial burden. Our commitment is to your success, and we invest our resources accordingly.
Contact Our Moore Car Accident Attorney To Schedule a Free Case Consultation
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, our personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for you. We can negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company to ensure you get a fair settlement. Then, we can see if you are eligible for a personal injury lawsuit. Let our experienced team maximize your compensation.
Call today to schedule a free case review.