400 N Walker Ave #130, Oklahoma City, OK Phone: 405-605-2426
Have you been injured in an accident in Moore? If your accident and injuries were caused by the negligence or actions of someone else, you could submit a personal injury claim. We are Hasbrook & Hasbrook, and our Moore personal injury lawyers would be honored to help you.
As a client-focused Moore law firm, our dedicated personal injury attorneys can help you recover compensation for an injury.
We fight for personal injury victims every day. We have handled countless personal injury claims, and now we can handle yours. Learn more about accidents and injuries in Moore. Then, contact us to see if you can recover financial compensation.
Our Moore Personal Injury Lawyer Explains the Basics of Personal Injury Law
Personal injury is a broad area of law encompassing various injury categories. Two essential elements connect personal injury cases: 1) someone has suffered an injury, and 2) someone else can be held legally responsible for the harm caused. Personal injury cases can be complex, involving individuals, corporations, and insurance companies as defendants.
If you have been injured and are facing financial costs and losses, or if a loved one has been killed due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you need the assistance of a Moore personal injury lawyer.
To determine whether you have a case requiring legal help, we must consider the types of cases we can assist you with.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases encompass a range of incidents in which individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others.
There are various types of personal injury cases that individuals may encounter, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and wrongful death suits.
When faced with such situations, hiring a personal injury attorney who concentrates their practice on handling these cases can make a difference in getting full value for your case. Your attorney helps by gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court at trial if the case cannot get settled.
Most Common Personal Injuries in Moore
Accidents typically cause the most frequently occurring injuries in Moore and falls. Car accidents are the most common types of injuries in the area, with approximately 200 crashes occurring every day in Oklahoma.
Slip and fall accidents are also prevalent and can happen in public places due to unsafe conditions. One common example of a slip and fall case that may require a lawyer is when a person slips and falls in a grocery store due to a wet floor that was not properly cleaned or marked with warning signs.
Suppose the person sustains injuries such as a broken bone, head injury, or other serious harm. In that case, they may pursue legal action against the grocery store to seek full and fair compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Dog bites are another contributor to personal injury cases in Moore. Oklahoma has “strict liability laws” for dog bites, meaning that the owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner knew about the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Victims of these common injuries need to consult a Moore personal injury lawyer to understand their rights and seek compensation for their damages.
What Should You Do After a Serious Accident in Moore?
- Check for injuries. Immediately check yourself and others for injuries after an accident. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away to get medical help.
- Report the accident. Contact the police to report the accident. A police report may be required in the event of legal action or an insurance claim.
- Gather information. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, and insurance information. Also, take note of the accident scene, time, and date.
- Take photos. Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. These can be vital evidence for your claim.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
- Contact your insurance company. Inform your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about what you say until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney. Before accepting any settlement offers, speak with an attorney to ensure your rights are protected, and you get a fair deal.
Should I Settle or Take My Case To Trial?
Deciding whether to settle or take your case to trial is an important decision that should be made with your attorney’s guidance. Settlements can offer a quicker resolution and guaranteed compensation, which can be appealing if you need immediate financial relief.
However, settlements might only sometimes reflect the full extent of your damages. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand the value of your case and the likelihood of achieving a better outcome through trial.
Trials can result in higher compensation, especially if the evidence strongly supports your claim and your severe injuries. However, trials are unpredictable, lengthy, and may involve more legal fees. Your attorney will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the defendant’s willingness to offer a fair settlement, and other factors, such as the emotional toll of a trial on you and your family.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on a comprehensive assessment of all these elements and what is in your best interest.
Important Notes About Personal Injury Cases in Moore
Several important factors must be considered in Moore’s personal injury cases. Oklahoma follows negligence laws, which means that to recover damages, the injured party must prove that the other party was negligent. This requires gathering all of the evidence to support the claim.
Evidence can include photos, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions. It is important to gather this evidence as soon as possible after the incident, as memories fade and physical evidence may be lost or altered.
An experienced personal injury attorney can assist in evidence-gathering and ensure all necessary documentation is obtained. Your lawyer can also navigate the legal process and help establish the maximum responsibility of the other party, increasing the potential damages that can be recovered.
Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
After establishing the importance of gathering strong evidence in personal injury cases, it is important to understand the time limit for filing a lawsuit in Moore.
Moore has a two-year time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. This means you have two years from the date of the accident or injury to initiate legal proceedings.
It is important to note that failing to file within this time frame can result in your case being dismissed by the court. Therefore, acting promptly and seeking legal advice as soon as possible is imperative.
A personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed within the time limit and increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Small Claims Court and District Court Options
Small claims and district court are two options for filing personal injury lawsuits in Moore. The small claims court process is typically more informal and designed for cases with damages under $10,000. It allows individuals to represent themselves without the need for an attorney.
Comparative Negligence Laws in Oklahoma
Comparative negligence laws in Oklahoma determine how personal injury compensation is awarded based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved in the accident.
Under these laws, if a person is found to be partially at fault for their injuries, their compensation will be reduced proportionately. For example, if a person is deemed 20% at fault for an accident and is awarded $100,000 in damages, their compensation would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.
About Moore, OK
A suburb of Oklahoma City, Moore has evolved from a small railway stop in 1887 into a thriving community in the heart of Tornado Alley. Known for its resilience, especially after significant tornadoes in 1893, 1999, and 2013, Moore has a strong sense of community, evident in events like the Moore War Run and local festivals.
With a population of over 62,000, the city enjoys a diverse economy, with key industries like aircraft manufacturing and a growing retail sector. Educational commitments are firm, with Moore Public Schools, Moore Norman Technology Center, and Randall University providing educational options.
Infrastructure improvements, particularly along the I-35 corridor, reflect the city’s dedication to safety and connectivity. Overall, Moore’s rich history, tight-knit community, and economic vitality make it a resilient and dynamic place to live.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Moore?
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Moore can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the case’s complexity, the lawyer’s experience and reputation, and whether they charge a contingency fee or an hourly rate. Nearly all personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means they only get paid if there is a settlement or verdict. Most personal injury attorneys charge 1/3 of the total recovery.
Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit if the Accident Happened More Than Two Years Ago?
No, you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit if the accident happened more than two years ago. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Moore, Oklahoma, is two years. There are a few exceptions, however. The main one is for a minor who was injured. That individual will have until they reach 19 years old to file the lawsuit.
Contact Our Moore Personal Injury Lawyer at Hasbrook & Hasbrook for a Free Consultation
If you’re considering filing a personal injury suit, speaking with a lawyer immediately is best. You want to find a lawyer experienced in these kinds of cases and can walk you through the process with clarity and confidence. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we would be honored to help you.
Contact our Moore Personal Injury Lawyer immediately for a free consultation to discuss your Moore personal injury case.