Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Car accidents are unexpected, stressful, and often life-changing. If someone else caused the crash, you might assume everything will be handled fairly. But insurance companies don’t always make things easy. Knowing when to bring in a lawyer can help you protect your rights and make sure you’re treated fairly throughout the process.
In this post, we’ll walk through what Oklahoma law says about fault, why you might need an attorney even if the accident wasn’t your fault, and how Graves McLain Injury Lawyers supports people in Tulsa during these difficult moments.
Oklahoma is a fault-based state when it comes to car accidents. This means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for paying damages. But the fault isn’t always clear-cut, and even if the other driver was clearly in the wrong, their insurance company might try to shift some of the blame onto you.
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for the crash, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
This rule makes it especially important to gather substantial evidence, such as police reports, photos, and medical records, to support your side of the story.
After a crash, emotions can run high. Still, the steps you take right after the accident can affect your claim later on. First, make sure to call the police so there’s an official report. Take photos of both vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding scene.
Then, seek medical care right away—even if you feel fine at the time. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Documentation is key.
Notify your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer, but be careful what you say. Stick to the facts and avoid making statements that could be taken as an admission of fault.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, over 9,000 injury crashes occurred on state roadways in 2023 alone—many involving drivers who were not at fault.
Even if it seems like a straightforward situation, an experienced lawyer can help level the playing field—especially when the insurance company is trying to minimize your payout.
Some situations where legal help becomes essential include:
Never accept the first settlement offer without reviewing it with a qualified attorney. Once you sign, you waive your right to seek further compensation.
Once a claim is filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance, an investigation will begin. The insurer may ask for statements, medical records, or repair estimates. If a fair settlement is offered, the process may end there.
But if negotiations stall or the offer is too low, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. This involves gathering more evidence, working with experts if needed, and preparing for trial.
You have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Oklahoma. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to recover damages.
Type of Compensation | What It Covers |
| Medical Expenses | Emergency treatment, doctor visits, surgeries, therapy, medications |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to missed work after the accident |
| Future Earnings Loss | Reduced ability to work or earn due to long-term injuries |
| Property Damage | Repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, trauma from the crash |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Travel for medical care, childcare, household help, and other accident-related expenses |
Many people worry about legal costs after a crash, especially if they’re already dealing with lost wages and medical bills. That’s why most personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. The attorney is only paid if you receive a settlement or win your case.
You don’t owe any legal fees unless we recover money for you. Clients may still be responsible for case-related expenses.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, We are aware of how difficult handling a vehicle accident claim can be, especially when you weren’t at fault. Our team works closely with each client to gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate directly with the insurance companies.
We’re based in Tulsa and know how local traffic conditions, crash trends, and Oklahoma law affect car accident claims. Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, surgery, or time off work, we help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Yes. Even in clear liability cases, insurers may undervalue your claim. A lawyer ensures fair treatment and protects your right to full compensation.
You don’t have to accept it. Once received, you waive the right to sue. A lawyer can review the offer to make sure it covers all your losses.
Oklahoma law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
No. Most car accident attorneys, including Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis, indicating that there won’t be any legal expenses unless your case wins.
You can still file a claim, but it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical documentation helps prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
Yes. Under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your award may be reduced.
If you were in a car accident in Tulsa and it wasn’t your fault, don’t assume everything will work out on its own. The claims process can be confusing, and insurance companies may not have your best interests in mind.
Hiring a lawyer isn’t just about going to court—it’s about protecting yourself, knowing your rights, and making sure you get the help you need to recover.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers offers trusted support for injured drivers in Tulsa. Reach out for a free consultation to learn how we can help you move forward after your accident.
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.
