FAQ
We want to be as transparent as possible.
If we haven’t answered your question, feel free to reach out to us.
Vehicle
What if I am in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver?
Ride share companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance to their drivers. However, those insurance companies usually do not give out important information like how much insurance is available to passengers or drivers, or what types of coverage’s are available.
If you have been hurt in an accident with Uber or Lyft, whether you were a driver or passenger, call one of our attorneys to find out more about protecting yourself and getting life back to normal.
What happens in an accident where a driver leaves the scene?
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in Oklahoma and, if the person who caused the accident is found they may be charged criminally by the city or State. If the person who caused the accident is not found, you still may be able to recover money to help you with your car and any injury.
If you have questions about how to pay for medical treatment, time missed from work, or damage to you car after an accident where a driver leaves the scene, please contact us for more information.
Can you help me with my car?
Yes! Trying to get your car back on the road after an accident can often be a frustrating experience. It can be confusing to know how much your car is worth, what repairs are needed and how to get a rental car.
Sometimes cars seem to be totaled but the insurance company wants you to keep it anyway and sometimes they aren’t offering what your totaled car is worth.
The attorneys at West, Ylla & Gosney have lots of experience getting you back on the road, and best of all, this part of our service is absolutely free.
Do I really need a lawyer for my accident?
Although car accidents are relatively common experiences, there are complex legal issues involved in every one. A lawyer is a legal expert and helps you navigate these legal issues and allows you to maximize your result.
Furthermore, having an attorney allows you to escape the stress of talking to the insurance company and allows you to get better quicker.
Will an accident affect the resale value of my car, truck, or motorcycle?
Sometimes. The two most important factors are the age of your vehicle and how much damage was done. When someone else has caused the accident, you may be entitled to make a claim to recover the diminished value of your vehicle. Contact one of our attorneys if you have more questions about collecting diminished value for your vehicle.
Insurance
Are accident settlements tax-free?
Yes, for the most part. There are some exceptions, for example, money you have collected from your settlement as a result of lost wages may be taxable. You should consult your attorney or tax professional about the details of your settlement.
Are accident reports public record?
Yes, with at least one important exception. That is, you may not obtain a police report for commercial purposes. Police reports may not be obtained for the purposes of advertising. Many agencies will ask you to sign an affidavit verifying your purpose for the report prior to releasing the report to you.
Should I get Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage or Med Pay coverage on my own policy?
Yes! Oklahoma has a large percentage of uninsured motorists. If you are injured by one of these UM and Med Pay can help you pay for the costs associated with being in an accident. Additionally, Oklahoma requires that drivers have a minimum of $25,000 coverage.
Although this seems like a large amount you should remember that medical services are very costly. People involved in even basic car crashes can easily incur $25,000 or more of medical bills alone.
UM and Med Pay can be used to help pay for bills that the other person’s insurance does not cover.
Why is the insurance company so hard to deal with?
Insurance companies are businesses trying to make money. One way insurance companies make money is by paying the least amount possible on injury claims. This can lead to conflict between you and the insurance company.
General
Why has the hospital filed a lien against me?
Medical liens, including hospital and physician liens, allow the doctors who treat you to take a part of your insurance settlement. Contact the attorneys at West, Ylla & Gosney today to find out how to protect yourself from these liens.
What happens in an accident where you are not at fault?
If you are not at fault for an accident, then you have a legal claim to be repaid for any loss you sustained. This includes reimbursement for damage to property, medical bills, time missed from work, stress, and more.
The person who caused the accident should have insurance to pay for these things; however, we usually see insurance companies doing all they can to cut corners on fair reimbursement.
If you have been in an accident where you are not at fault, contact one of our attorneys to find out more about how to get back to life as quickly as possible.
Will my lawyer make more money than me?
Most law firms work on a contingent basis; the lawyer will not be paid unless there is a successful recovery. At West & Associates we go one step further. We guarantee that our fees will be reduced if our client is not adequately compensated for their injury.
Can accidents cause arthritis?
A very broad definition of arthritis is swelling in your joints, and in that sense, yes, an accident can cause swelling and pain in your joints. If you are feeling pain from an accident, you should contact a doctor immediately- even if the pain does not seem too bad at first.
Do not assume the pain will go away on its own, seek medical help. For help in paying for that medical care, please contact one of our attorneys to help you understand your rights.
Can an accident cause memory loss?
Yes, but it is rare. If you are having headaches, nausea, trouble remembering, trouble thinking straight, trouble finding words, or any other similar problem, you should see a physician as soon as possible.
If you have questions about how the insurance company will pay for this medical care, contact one of our attorneys.
Reach Out to a Personal Injury Attorney Today
At West Ylla Gosney, your case is our number one priority. Short of going back in time, we’ll do anything to reduce the costs of your accident. By getting you the compensation you deserve, we can help you get back on track.
Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you’ll never have to worry about a surprising attorney’s bill due when your case is resolved. After your case is done, we even make sure your settlement is enough to make you whole. If it isn’t, we adjust our fee to make sure you get what you need first.
Contact us for a free consultation with no pressure to sign today.