Focus on healing while we fight the legal battle for you
After a crash, your only job should be to heal. Let our team shoulder the legal load while you focus on getting better.
- Emotional Support: Offering understanding and support to ease your stress.
- Advocacy: Managing legal complexities and insurance issues on your behalf.
- Dedicated Assistance: Addressing all your concerns and questions promptly.
Why choose Hasbrook Law for your car accident claim
Choosing our firm brings tangible benefits:
- Reduced Stress: We handle all legal aspects, allowing you to focus on recovery.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing experienced professionals are fighting for your rights provides a sense of security.
- Maximized Compensation: We strongly believe that building a case for trial from the beginning results in better settlement offers. We’re ready and willing to go to trial to hold insurance companies accountable.
- Experience: There’s a good chance we’ve already handled a case similar to your claim. Check out some of our case studies and prior results.
- Referral-Based: Prior clients and other law firms refer most of our cases to us.
- Reasonable and Transparent Attorney’s Fees: Our attorney’s fees are reduced for settlements to ensure we never receive more than the client does. We also start our fees at 25% when the industry standard is 33%.
- Efficient and Organized: We use ever-improving case management software to ensure our cases move quickly while tracking the various insurance companies, defense firms, and case value drivers.
- Easy to Talk To: All clients have our cell phone numbers and can call or text anytime.
- Free Property-Damage Help: We guide your repair or total-loss claim at no extra cost so you can stay mobile during recovery.
Don’t panic: take control after an Oklahoma City car crash
The post-accident phase is crucial for both your recovery and your legal rights. Remember, insurance adjusters protect their company’s bottom line—not yours—so early legal guidance prevents costly mistakes:
- Prioritize Safety and Seek Help: Your health and safety are paramount. Call 911 to have the police investigate and prepare a collision report. This can help adequately document how the crash occurred and what the at-fault driver did to cause it.
- Gather Information: Document and photograph details at the accident scene for future use. Take photos of the vehicles involved and the other drivers’ insurance cards. Write down any conversations you have and any statements the other drivers make.
- Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical care, even for minor injuries.
- Insurance Notification: Inform your insurer if you have Collision, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, or Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage. Start the property-damage claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. Typically, insurers will require a copy of the collision report before proceeding with the claim.
- Legal Consultation: Talk to our experienced attorneys for comprehensive advice on your legal options.
Maximize your recovery—understand the compensation you deserve
The value of your car accident case in Oklahoma City can vary significantly, influenced by factors like the accident’s nature, injury types, missed work, and overall impact on your life. Consider reviewing these case studies to understand how varying facts influenced the settlement amount in different cases.
Financial recovery—what compensation can you expect?
- Medical Expenses: Covers all healthcare and ongoing treatment costs.
- Lost Earnings: Compensation for work absences and diminished working capacity.
- Property Damage: Includes repair costs or replacement value for total losses.
- Pain and Suffering: Deals with the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
- Punitive Damages: Applicable in cases of intentional or grossly negligent actions by the defendant.
Oklahoma insurance requirements
Oklahoma law requires only a “25/50/25” policy. This shorthand notation represents the following coverage limits:
- $25,000 for Bodily Injury Per Person: This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a single person’s injuries in an accident for which you are at fault. It covers the injured party’s medical expenses, pain, suffering, and lost wages.
- $50,000 for Bodily Injury Per Accident: This is the total amount the insurance company will pay for all injuries in a single accident. If multiple people are injured in an accident you caused, the insurance will cover up to $50,000 in total, with no individual exceeding $25,000.
- $25,000 for Property Damage: This amount covers the cost of damage to another person’s property in an accident where you are at fault. This typically includes vehicle repairs but can also extend to other types of property damage, such as fences and buildings.
- Uninsured Drivers: According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, 24% of Oklahoma drivers are uninsured.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: UM/UIM coverage protects you if a careless or uninsured driver hits you. It also helps if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage when an accident occurs.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage: MedPay is an optional add-on to your auto policy. It covers medical bills related to an accident.
Don’t settle for less—protect your rights against insurance companies
Insurance companies often employ strategies and tactics to minimize their payouts. We recognize these tactics and counter them effectively:
- Low Initial Offers: Insurance companies may present quick, lowball offers. Do not take the first offer, especially if you are still seeking medical treatment. This early offer will not cover anything after a settlement release is signed. We’ve successfully negotiated higher settlements by showing the true extent of damages and advocating for our clients’ needs.
- Questioning Medical Treatments: Insurers may claim some treatments weren’t necessary. Ensure you follow your doctor’s instructions and that your doctor knows of any changing symptoms related to the accident.
- Delaying Tactics: “Time is money,” so we counter delays by filing a lawsuit if the adjuster uses this tactic. We then seek a scheduling order from the court to set deadlines.
- Trial Verdicts Raise Settlement Offers: Trial verdicts tend to raise settlement offers.
The road to justice—the legal process after an accident
Our approach to handling car accident claims in Oklahoma City is thorough, transparent, and tailored to each client’s unique situation.
- Free Case Review: Your first meeting is 100% free and carries no obligation.
- Initial Consultation: We begin by understanding the specifics of your case and offering guidance on the best course of action. We’ll review the facts of your case, explain any issues or questions you have, and let you know if you don’t need a lawyer.
- Building Your Case: We interview witnesses, document evidence, request and compile medical records and bills, and obtain proof of lost income.
- Initial Settlement Demand: Once you are through with treatment or have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), we will send the insurance company a detailed summary with copies of all relevant documents and an offer to settle. A settlement can be reached at any point after this step. If the insurance company declines to provide a fair settlement within two weeks, it’s time to file a lawsuit.
- Petition or Complaint: This initiates the lawsuit. A Petition is filed in state court (Oklahoma County District Court), while a Complaint is filed in federal court (Western District of Oklahoma).
- Motion to Enter on the Court’s Docket: This initiates the scheduling deadlines that the judge will enforce on the case.
- Discovery Made Simple: This is the fact-finding stage, where both parties to the lawsuit gather all necessary information to strengthen their side of the case. This includes written questions—interrogatories, requests for admission, and requests for production of documents and evidence. Depositions—sworn statements—occur next.
- Independent Medical Examination (IME): If the case has a strong chance of going to trial, the insurance company will want to have one of their doctors review your medical records and perform an exam. This doctor will testify at trial, attempting to minimize your injuries and medical treatment.
- Mediation: Mediation is a meeting involving a neutral person who helps us and the insurance company try to reach a fair settlement. Each party will be in a separate room with their legal representative, and the mediator will go back and forth.
- Pretrial Conference: A pretrial conference occurs shortly before the trial. The judge and the attorneys on the case make sure there are no outstanding issues before trial. In most cases, deadlines must be met before this.
- Bench vs. Jury Trial: A bench trial occurs before a judge without a jury. Most personal injury trials are tried before a jury.
Alarming Trends: Understanding Car Accident Risks in Your City
The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office has compiled recent crash data on severe injuries:
Overview of Oklahoma Crashes in 2020: The total number reported was 72,267, which resulted in 607 fatalities and 28,635 injuries. Of these collisions, 56.3% occurred in urban areas and the rest in rural areas. 59.3% of deaths occurred in rural areas.
Impaired Driving: There were 3,716 alcohol-related crashes, leading to 151 fatalities and 1,839 injuries. Drug-related crashes numbered 2,044, resulting in 145 deaths and 1,100 injuries.
Speed-Related: 8,983 accidents, causing 172 fatalities and 4,913 injuries.
Motorcycle Safety: 1,342 reported motorcycle accidents resulted in 92 fatalities and 1,150 injuries. Of these, 68% of the motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety: There were 474 car accidents involving pedestrians, leading to 88 fatalities and 390 injuries. Bicycle accidents numbered 208, resulting in 4 deaths and 180 injuries.
Teen Drivers: Drivers aged 16–19 were involved in 8,848 motor vehicle accidents, resulting in 42 fatalities and 3,024 injuries.
Seat Belt and Child Restraint Use: Oklahoma’s overall seat belt use is 87.6%. Unrestrained occupants were involved in 2,450 crashes, leading to 246 fatalities and 1,597 injuries. Child restraint usage is 92.4%.
Distracted Driving: Distracted driving caused 8,581 crashes, which led to 36 fatalities and 3,630 injuries.
Commercial Motor Vehicle and Truck Accidents: Commercial vehicles were involved in 4,758 car accidents, resulting in 98 fatalities and 1,596 injuries.
Older Drivers: Drivers aged 65 and above were involved in 8,372 accidents, resulting in 134 fatalities and 2,782 injuries. The Oklahoma Distracted Driving Prevention Act and the Oklahoma Impaired Driving Elimination Act were enacted to prevent these auto accidents. These laws make it illegal to use a handheld electronic device while driving and to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. By obeying these laws and engaging in safe driving habits, like wearing a seat belt and avoiding distractions, individuals can help reduce the number of car accidents and fatalities in Oklahoma City.
Get the care you need—common injuries after a car crash
Car and truck accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor bruises to life-threatening wounds. Among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents are whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can have enduring impacts on a person’s physical well-being and mental health, emphasizing the necessity of seeking immediate medical care after an accident.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident. It happens when your head suddenly jerks forward or backward, straining the tissues in your neck. This rapid motion can occur in rear-end crashes, side impacts, or rollovers—any situation where your head is whipped by a jolt.
Symptoms often appear within 24 hours of the accident. You may notice neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or even tingling in your arms. Some people also develop trouble concentrating or trouble sleeping.
It’s important to see a doctor, even if you think your injuries are minor. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and can prevent long-term problems.
- Rest your neck and avoid strenuous activity.
- Apply ice or heat as directed by your doctor.
- Try gentle neck exercises or physical therapy when recommended.
- Pain medications may help manage discomfort.
- Severe or persistent cases could require injections or surgery, especially if nerves are involved.
Recovery time varies for everyone. With proper treatment and support, most people heal within a few weeks or months. If you have lingering pain, additional therapies may help you regain comfort and mobility.
Broken bones
Broken bones commonly occur in car accidents due to sudden impact. Causes include high-speed collisions, injuries from seat belts or airbags, and pedestrian accidents. Treatment often involves immobilizing the bone and managing pain, with severe breaks needing surgery. Victims should seek legal advice as they may have high medical bills and lost income and may be entitled to compensation.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are often severe and life-altering. They result from forceful blows or jolts to the head, commonly in head-on and T-bone collisions. Symptoms can range from headaches and confusion to coma or death, necessitating immediate medical attention after an accident. TBI treatment involves:
- Immediate medical intervention.
- Imaging tests to assess the full extent of the injury.
- A treatment plan.
- Long-term rehabilitation.
Depending on injury severity, rehabilitation may involve physical, speech, and occupational therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for emotional support. Proper treatment allows TBI patients to recover over time.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries from high-impact incidents can disrupt nerve signals between the brain and body, causing everything from temporary numbness to permanent paralysis and significantly affecting a person’s quality of life. Though there might be limitations, rehabilitation options such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy aim to assist patients in restoring function and enhancing their quality of life. Long-term effects often require ongoing medical care and familial or caregiver support.
Partner with experienced personal injury attorneys
Contact us now to evaluate your case and estimate its value. Our attorneys can help. With experience in similar cases, we can guide you to a settlement or verdict.
Getting advice from an experienced injury lawyer before accepting any offer makes a difference. Our firm is client-focused, providing top-notch service, and our skilled lawyers strive for the highest compensation for our clients, as shown by our successful track record. Check out our client testimonials. Book a free consultation with us to start your journey toward fair compensation.
OKLAHOMA CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY-CLIENT REVIEW
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Car Accident Injury FAQs
What Makes Hasbrook & Hasbrook Different in Handling Car Accident Cases?
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Personalized Approach: Every case is different, and we tailor our approach to your situation.
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Local Experience: We chose our office location to be near the courthouse.
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Client-Focused: We prioritize your needs and well-being throughout the legal process.
How Do You Determine the Value of My Car Accident Claim?
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Comprehensive Assessment: In Oklahoma, car accident settlements can range from $5,000 for minor injuries to $500,000 or more for severe cases, depending on factors like medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. According to recent state data, the average payout is approximately $28,000. We consider all aspects of your case, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We also have 20+ years of experience and can review our “settlement library” to assess what insurance companies are willing to pay.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Oklahoma City?
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Distracted Driving: This includes texting, eating, or any activity that diverts attention from driving.
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Speeding: Going beyond speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions.
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Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Weather Conditions: Adverse weather can lead to accidents, especially if drivers are not cautious.
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Inattention: Simply not paying attention to the road.
What Are the Legal Deadlines for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Oklahoma City?
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Statute of Limitations: Oklahoma generally provides two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
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Exceptions: There are exceptions, such as claims involving government entities or minors.
How do you handle insurance companies acting in bad faith?
- Identification of Bad Faith: We recognize when insurers are not treating your claim fairly.
- Legal Action: If necessary, we can take legal action against the insurer for bad faith practices.
- Maximizing Your Recovery: Our goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to, despite the insurer’s tactics.
Can I negotiate the contingency-fee agreement with your firm?
- Open Discussions: We believe in transparency (our contingency fees generally start at 25%) and are open to discussing our fee structure.
- Customized Agreements: Our contingency fees are tailored to suit the specifics of your case, ensuring fairness and clarity for you and for us as your attorneys.
What does a car accident settlement typically include?
- Financial Breakdown: A settlement usually includes compensation for healthcare expenses, missed income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Detailed Explanation: Before agreeing to any settlement, we thoroughly detail how the funds are allocated.
How are hit-and-run cases handled in Oklahoma City?
- Legal Pursuit: We aggressively pursue all available legal options in hit-and-run cases, including working with law enforcement and using our investigative resources.
- Seeking Maximum Compensation: Our focus is on ensuring you receive full compensation. 47 O.S. § 10-103 permits treble damages for property damage in certain hit-and-run cases.
What determines a vehicle’s “total loss” in Oklahoma?
Under Oklahoma law, a vehicle is considered a total loss if the cost of repairs exceeds 60% of the car’s fair market value.
What should I expect during a free consultation for a car accident case?
- Case Review: We will examine the details of your accident and injuries.
- Legal Options: Our team will explain your legal rights and potential strategies.
- No Obligation: This consultation is free, and you are not obligated to hire us.
Can I file a lawsuit in Oklahoma City If I Was Partially at Fault for the Car Accident?
- Comparative Negligence: Oklahoma allows you to seek damages even if you are partially at fault, but your percentage of fault dictates the percentage of compensation you receive. For example, your claim would be worth $100,000 had you not been speeding immediately before the crash. If the jury determines you were 20% at fault, the $100,000 verdict would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.
HIGHLY RATED LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS
- OKC Auto Works
- 701 SE 89th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73149
- Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center
- 10830 SE 29th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73130
- Lonnie’s Auto
- 4301 NW 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
