Accidents can happen to anybody at any time, and knowing you have reliable legal backing can be reassuring in case of injury. An accident can leave you wondering how you will pay for the damage to your vehicle as well as the medical bills resulting from your injuries. In the case of serious crashes, these injuries can be catastrophic — and that can mean tens of thousands of dollars worth of medical expenses. You need an experienced car accident attorney who can help hold the responsible party accountable and get you the compensation to which you are legally entitled.
For over 20 years, Josh Lee & Associates has been a staunch defender of Oklahoma personal injury victims and their families, providing client-focused legal guidance and aggressive representation. Our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers want you to get every penny you deserve. Contact our office today to let us get started working for you.
Why Choose Us?
If you have been involved in a car accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side who knows how to get you the results you deserve. Josh Lee & Associates has over 20 years of experience representing accident victims, and we know what it takes to win your case. At our office, you will never be just another case number. You will have direct access to your attorney who will spend the time to understand your situation and put together a winning strategy. Don’t try to go up against the big insurance companies on your own. Instead, let us handle your case while you focus on your recovery. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
How Does A Car Accident Case Work?
Most car accident cases revolve around the legal concept of negligence. If someone else’s negligence resulted in an accident that caused you injuries, the other party is generally liable for expenses related to those injuries. To prove negligence, there are four main elements that must be present.
First, the other party must owe you a duty of care. By operating a vehicle on the roadway, a duty is owed to other drivers to operate the vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner. Next, you must prove a breach of that duty. There are many ways that duty can be breached. Some examples include reckless driving, speeding, texting while driving, driving under the influence, and many other behaviors. Third, the other party’s breach of duty must be the direct cause of the accident and, subsequently, your injuries. And, lastly, you must have suffered some actual damages as a result. These damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, and other losses typically resulting from a car accident.
Oklahoma is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning that fault is assigned based on the percentage of responsibility each party holds for the accident (2023 Oklahoma Statutes §23-13). If a party is found to be less than 50% at fault, they may still recover damages, adjusted in proportion to their degree of fault.
Consider an example that helps illustrate this concept. Suppose you are involved in a car accident that results in damages of $50,000. However, you are partially at fault, and it is found that your portion of fault is 20%. In this case, the damages which you are entitled to receive would be reduced by 20%. Therefore, your $50,000 of damages would be reduced by $10,000, so you would still be entitled to receive $40,000 in damages from the other at-fault party.
Insurance companies, naturally, play a major role in car accident claims. They do not want to pay claims and will look for ways to devalue your claim or imply that you are at least partially at fault for the accident or your own injuries.
Common Types Of Car Accident Injuries
Common types of car accident injuries include whiplash, fractures, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries like bruises and strains. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
A successful Oklahoma car accident claim can recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An Oklahoma city car or truck accident attorney will pursue your claim for the maximum compensation available under the law, advocating fiercely on your behalf throughout the legal process.
First Steps After A Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, follow these steps to better ensure proper handling of the situation:
- Get to safety and call 911
- Seek medical attention for any injuries
- Take photos of the scene, if possible
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Notify your insurance company
- Consult a car accident lawyer
An experienced Oklahoma car accident attorney will help you avoid missteps that could allow the insurance company to deflect blame from the at-fault driver or deny your claim.
Get In Touch With an Oklahoma City Car Accident Attorney Today
If you have been the victim of a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to cash compensation. It is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible after your crash, and the law firm of Josh Lee & Associates is ready to help you. We can help investigate the accident to properly determine fault, preserve evidence, and put together a winning strategy for your claim. Schedule your free consultation today by calling us at (405) 759-5529.
