Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law helps answer questions about the legal process after a car accident in Oklahoma City. You might think hiring a lawyer after one of these accidents is out of reach, but it can be your best path to getting the support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Oklahoma City?
The good news, relatively speaking, is that you don’t pay anything upfront for a car accident lawyer in Oklahoma City if you decide to work with our firm. This is because we work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we don’t charge anything for our services–we take our fee from whatever result we get for you. So, in that respect, it doesn’t cost anything to hire a lawyer after a car accident. However, there’s a few other reasons why working with our team can make a huge difference in your claim:- We’ll explain your rights and legal options, making sure you understand your choices.
- We’ll help you with gathering medical records and other essential evidence.
- We’ll handle communications with insurance companies and negotiate for the best possible settlement.
- If needed, we’ll guide you through filing a lawsuit.
How Can You Protect Your Car Accident Claim?
Simply being able to file a claim after a car accident isn’t enough to recover your damages. To protect and strengthen your claim, specific steps must be taken. While this can be more challenging in some situations, it’s crucial:- Move to a safe spot – If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid further accidents. Check for injuries and call 911 for medical care from an ambulance and EMTs.
- Exchange information – Swap contact and insurance details with everyone involved in the accident.
- Report the accident to the police – When you have 911 on the line, have them send the local police, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or if anyone is uncooperative. This could involve city police, county sheriff, or Oklahoma Highway Patrol. They’ll manage the scene.
- Collect evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident, including vehicle damage, injuries, and anything that may have caused the accident.
- Get further medical care – If an ambulance is available, get immediate care, and follow up with a doctor or emergency room for additional treatment.
- Keep evidence – Hold onto all relevant documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any communications with insurance companies.
- Be careful with statements – Stick to the facts when speaking with police or insurance representatives. Avoid exaggerating, as your words could be used against you.
What Damages Can You Get in a Car Accident Claim?
The main point of having legal options is to recover damages–either in a settlement or a verdict. This is where working with our team is going to come into play: we’ll make sure you have the best possible chance at getting a fair result. But remember, the contingency-fee means we’ll take a portion of that result (rather than charging you a retainer fee.) In order to get damages, though, you need to actually file a claim first. You’ll usually start by filing an insurance claim. If that doesn’t fully cover your losses, you may move to a personal injury lawsuit. Common damages you can recover include:- Medical expenses
- Ongoing care for permanent injuries
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Repair or replacement of personal property (like your car or phone)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
