If you’ve been involved in a car accident, hiring a lawyer can help strengthen your case. Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers can help you through the complex legal process. A car accident attorney will ensure that you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
After a crash, dealing with insurance companies and proving liability can be difficult. An experienced car accident lawyer will gather evidence, handle negotiations, and represent you in court if needed. Their expertise is crucial in maximizing the outcome of your case.
When you hire a car accident attorney, you gain an advocate who is focused on your best interests. They handle the legal details while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Investigating the Accident and Gathering Evidence
An experienced car accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the crash. They gather important evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos. This helps establish what happened and who was at fault.
Your lawyer will also look into medical records and any other documents that can support your personal injury claim. In some cases, they might even hire experts to recreate the accident. This ensures that all factors are considered and that your case is as strong as possible.
Gathering evidence early on is key to building a solid case. The more evidence your lawyer has, the stronger your position will be when negotiating a settlement or taking the case to court.
Handling Insurance Companies
When dealing with insurance companies after a car accident, having a lawyer on your side is crucial. Insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than with paying you a fair settlement. An experienced lawyer ensures you get the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how a lawyer helps with the insurance claims process.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may contact you after a car accident. They work for the insurance company and will try to minimize the amount of compensation they have to pay. An experienced car accident attorney can handle all communication with the insurance adjuster. They’ll ensure you don’t settle for less than your claim is worth.
Your lawyer will also protect you from signing anything that could hurt your case. They will ensure the adjuster considers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. With a lawyer’s help, you can be sure the insurance company treats you fairly.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Negotiating a fair settlement can be tricky. The insurance company may offer a low amount, hoping you will accept it quickly. With an experienced lawyer, you can negotiate for a higher amount that better reflects your damages.
Your lawyer will consider all aspects of your car accident case, including medical bills, pain, and suffering, lost wages, and any long-term impacts. They’ll fight to ensure that the settlement reflects the full extent of your injuries. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court.
Proving Liability and Fault
Proving who is at fault is crucial to winning your car accident case. Here’s how your lawyer helps prove liability.
Establishing Who is Responsible
In a car accident case, determining who is responsible for the crash is crucial. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the situation to establish liability. This process involves reviewing police reports, examining the accident scene, speaking with witnesses, and collecting any available evidence, like photos or videos.
If the other driver was at fault, your lawyer will gather proof of their negligence. For example, they might look into whether the driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If there were traffic violations, your attorney will use this to strengthen your case.
In some cases, multiple parties may be involved, such as other drivers or even vehicle manufacturers. Your lawyer will ensure that all responsible parties are identified so that you can pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Fighting Comparative Fault Claims
In Oklahoma, comparative negligence plays a key role in car accident cases. If the insurance company or the defendant claims that you are partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced. Oklahoma follows the “modified comparative fault” rule, which means that if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you won’t be able to recover any damages.
However, if you are found to be less than 51% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found 30% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 30%.
An experienced car accident lawyer will fight to minimize your level of fault. They will gather evidence and present arguments to prove that you were less at fault or not responsible at all. This is crucial in ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Your car accident lawyer works to get you the full amount of compensation you deserve. This includes covering medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll the accident has caused you. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can recover fair compensation for all aspects of your accident.
Here’s what your lawyer considers when calculating your damages.
Calculating Total Damages
- Medical Expenses: All costs related to your treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income you lost due to the accident and any future earnings you may lose.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll the accident has had on your life.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairs to your car or any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Pursuing Additional Claims
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, your lawyer may seek punitive damages as a punishment for the at-fault driver.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in a death, your lawyer can help family members pursue a wrongful death claim.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship.
Filing a Lawsuit If Necessary
Sometimes, an insurance settlement isn’t enough to cover your damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may advise filing a lawsuit. This starts the legal process and moves your case to court.
Here’s when it’s best to file a lawsuit.
When to Take the Case to Court
Taking a car accident case to court may become necessary if a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company. If the insurance company offers a low settlement or denies your claim, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.
Going to court is often the last step after negotiations have failed. In Oklahoma, many car accident claims are settled outside of court, but if the case is strong and the insurance company is not cooperating, a trial may be the best option. A judge or jury will review all the evidence and decide who is at fault and how much compensation is fair.
Your lawyer will help you weigh the pros and cons of going to trial. They will advise you based on your case’s details, the strength of the evidence, and the potential outcomes.
Handling Legal Procedures
The legal process can be complex, but your lawyer will handle all the necessary procedures. This includes filing the lawsuit, gathering evidence, and responding to motions. Your lawyer will ensure that all documents are filed correctly and on time.
Your attorney will also represent you at court hearings and pre-trial conferences. They will work with experts, such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals, to strengthen your case. Your lawyer will also communicate with the opposing party and insurance company, handling all the legal negotiations and filings.
Throughout the process, your lawyer will keep you informed. They will explain each step of the legal procedure so you understand what is happening and what to expect next. Their experience ensures that everything runs smoothly and efficiently as you work toward a favorable outcome.
No Upfront Costs – Lawyers Work on Contingency
Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Here’s how this system works.
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means that your lawyer only gets paid if you win your car accident case. Instead of charging upfront fees, your lawyer will take a percentage of the compensation you receive. This allows you to hire an experienced attorney without worrying about paying out-of-pocket fees.
This system benefits you by aligning your lawyer’s interests with your own. They are motivated to win your case and get you the highest settlement possible.
Why This Benefits You
Working on a contingency fee basis benefits you because you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. You only pay your lawyer if you win your case. This means your lawyer has a strong incentive to work hard for the best possible outcome. Their success directly impacts their compensation, so they are fully invested in your case.
This approach also makes legal representation accessible to everyone. You don’t have to worry about paying expensive hourly rates or out-of-pocket expenses. You can focus on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legal process.
In addition, it ensures that your lawyer is motivated to maximize your settlement. The more you win, the more they earn. This system aligns both your lawyer’s and your interests, giving you the best chance at fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer if I’ve been in a car crash?
Yes, hiring a lawyer can significantly improve your chances of getting fair compensation. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand your rights and navigate the legal system. They will handle the complex paperwork, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for your best interests.
How can a lawyer help after a car accident caused by someone else?
An experienced car accident attorney will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and prove liability. They’ll help you claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.
What should I do immediately after a car crash?
After a car crash, make sure to call 911, seek medical attention, and gather evidence from the scene. Report the accident to your insurance company and contact a lawyer to guide you through the legal process.
How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?
In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s important to act quickly to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
Can a lawyer help me with insurance claims?
Yes, a personal injury lawyer can assist with filing insurance claims. They will ensure that you get the full compensation you are entitled to and handle negotiations with the insurance company to avoid low offers.
Call Our Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a car crash caused by a negligent driver, it’s essential to have an experienced auto accident attorney by your side. Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers understand the challenges victims face after an accident. Our team is committed to helping you recover compensation for your physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We offer a free case consultation to evaluate your situation and explain your options. Our experienced attorneys will work hard to investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for your rights. Whether you’re dealing with an insurance claim or preparing for a lawsuit, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to speak with an attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.