Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law helps car accident victims in Oklahoma City by answering questions they have about the legal process. A common question a lot of our clients have revolves around how much the legal process costs. Our team works on a “contingency” basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront–but we do take our fee through a percentage of whatever result you get. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Percentage Do We Get in a Car Accident Claim?
When you decide you want to take action after you’ve been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma City, you’ll likely have a lot of questions. It’s not just about what happened, but what you’ve lost and what you can gain in the claims process. That’s the main reason we work on a contingency-fee basis–it works well for both of us.
The big advantage of a contingency fee is that you pay nothing upfront. Most personal injury lawyers charge between 33% and 40% of the recovery amount. However, according to Oklahoma law, the maximum contingency that a lawyer can charge is:
- 50% of the recovery.
Every case is different, but this is generally the same fee structure that any personal injury lawyer is going to use. We believe this approach works well, though, because we want to make sure you get what you need out of the process.
What Makes Up a Settlement in a Car Accident Claim?
In Oklahoma City, car accident claims follow a similar process when it comes to what makes up your settlement. Whether you file an insurance claim or take the matter to court with a personal injury lawsuit, you’re seeking compensation for certain “damages” caused by the accident. Typically, this includes:
- Medical expenses – This covers doctor visits, surgeries, medications, therapy, and any ongoing care you need because of the accident.
- Property damage – If your car or personal belongings were damaged, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacements.
- Lost income – If the accident kept you from working, you can recover income you missed out on. If your injuries are permanent and prevent you from working in the future, you can also recover lost future earnings.
- Emotional distress – This covers mental health impacts like anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident.
- Pain and suffering – This covers the physical pain you’ve experienced beyond just medical bills.
- Reduced quality of life – If the accident has limited your ability to enjoy life or affects your relationships, this covers the costs related to that.
- Wrongful death expenses – If a loved one died in the accident, this can help cover funeral expenses and lost financial support.
- Punitive damages – In cases where the other party was especially reckless or intentional in causing the accident, extra damages may be awarded to punish them and deter future incidents.
Remember that in Oklahoma, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to recover damages, no matter how strong your case is.
How Can You Strengthen Your Claim?
Unfortunately, having the right to file a claim is just the starting point of you getting damages. To get a settlement, you must show the extent of your losses and make your way through the claims process. However, the actual process of showing your losses starts right after accident, so take these steps to build a solid claim:
- Call 911 – Call 911 for an ambulance and police. Emergency responders will come to help and make sure you get medical care. Go to the ER afterward for more checks. Medical records and other documentation are key to your claim.
- Start gathering evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the damage to vehicles, and your injuries. This proof makes it easier to show what happened and makes it harder for others to question your story.
- Work with investigators – When talking to police or insurance reps, be honest and clear. This helps show that your account of the accident is accurate and trustworthy.
- Get important information – Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver and collect witness contact information. This can confirm what happened and make your claim stronger.
Following these steps can protect your health and your right to a fair settlement. Our team can also help you make sure you have all the evidence and information you need for a strong claim–giving you a better chance at maximizing your damages.
How Can Our Lawyers Help You After a Car Accident in Oklahoma City?
You don’t need a lawyer to file a car accident claim, but having one can help you get the best outcome. Here’s what we do to support your claim:
- Clear guidance – Our lawyers know Oklahoma car accident laws and explain your rights and options simply.
- Full investigation – We gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and piece together how the accident happened to find out who’s at fault-and who has to pay for your damages.
- Collecting evidence – We get important documents like accident reports, medical records, and expert opinions to build a strong claim.
- Handling insurance companies – We take care of talking to insurance companies and others, so you don’t have to worry about making mistakes.
- Going to court if needed – If we can’t reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, we’ll take your case to court and fight for your best interests.
Handling everything alone after a car accident can be stressful, especially if you’re injured. Working with our team makes the process easier so you can focus on getting better. Your health is our number one priority, and while we want to be successful in the legal process, we always focus on what you and your family need in terms of support. If you’ve been in a car accident in Oklahoma City and want to know more about your options, contact us today for a free consultation.
