Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Car accidents can happen in a split second. One moment, you’re driving home, and the next, you’re dealing with a wrecked car, pain, insurance questions, and a long list of things to figure out. If you’re in Tulsa and trying to decide whether you need a lawyer after a crash, the answer often comes down to this: protecting your rights and getting the help you need to move forward.
Let’s look at when and why hiring a lawyer makes sense after a car accident in Oklahoma.
It is advisable to consult a lawyer as quickly as possible following an accident, particularly prior to accepting any offers or providing recorded statements to insurance companies. The sooner you get legal advice, the better you can protect your claim and avoid mistakes.
In Oklahoma, you have up to two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That deadline comes from state law:
Oklahoma law gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to recovery. 12 OK Stat § 95
Even though the law gives you time, waiting can weaken your case. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And insurance companies may use delays against you.
Some car accident claims are simple. Others are not. If your case involves any of the following, legal help becomes especially important:
Even your own insurance company may not be on your side. UM/UIM claims are often denied for technical reasons unless properly supported.
Oklahoma Insurance Department
A good car accident lawyer does much more than file paperwork. They guide you through each step and take on the complex parts so you can focus on recovery.
You pay for insurance to protect you. But when it’s time to file a claim, getting paid isn’t always easy.
Insurers often use tactics like:
In Oklahoma, the modified comparative fault rule applies. That means:
If you are less than 51% at fault, you can still receive compensation under Oklahoma’s comparative fault system, but your payout will be lowered in line with your percentage of fault. OK Stat § 23-13
Even if you didn’t cause the crash, insurers might say you share the blame to lower their payout. A lawyer helps challenge unfair accusations and keeps your case on track.
Getting a lawyer levels the playing field. Insurance companies have experienced legal teams working for them. You should have someone working for you, too.
Here are examples of when having a lawyer makes a big difference:
Situation | Why Legal Help Matters |
| The crash caused serious injury | A lawyer can help document damages and protect your long-term financial recovery |
| The other driver denies fault | Legal representation helps gather and present evidence |
| Multiple parties are involved | Fault may be shared; a lawyer protects your share of the claim |
| Insurance denies your claim | Attorneys can appeal denials and negotiate a stronger case |
| You were hit by an uninsured driver | A lawyer can handle your UM/UIM claim under Oklahoma insurance laws |
| You’re pressured to settle quickly | A lawyer ensures you aren’t shortchanged by early offers |
Having a lawyer also means you won’t have to manage the paperwork, stress, or negotiation alone. It’s one less thing to worry about while you heal.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, our team understands how overwhelming a car accident can be. We’ve helped clients across Tulsa fight insurance companies and pursue compensation that reflects their actual losses—not just the immediate costs but also the long-term effects.
In 2021, Tulsa reported over 1,500 car accidents, resulting in nearly 1,900 injuries. Many victims required hospitalization and long-term care.
Oklahoma Highway Safety Office
Yes. Injuries can take time to show up, and minor crashes can still involve complex insurance issues. A lawyer can help preserve your rights even in low-impact cases.
It’s best to speak with a lawyer before accepting. Once you settle, you typically can’t request more—even if new medical bills appear later.
They review the denial, identify weaknesses in the insurer’s reasoning, and strengthen the case with new evidence or expert support.
You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, insurance claims may need to be filed sooner.
Yes. Under Oklahoma’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover as long as you are less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced accordingly.
After a car accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. You’re dealing with pain, paperwork, and pressure from insurers—often all at once. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Early consultation with an attorney can help you recover what you’re entitled to, safeguard your rights, and improve your case if you were hurt in a Tulsa auto accident. The team at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is here to help you understand your options and fight for what you deserve under Oklahoma law.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
