Should I Hire an Attorney After an Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a car accident happens once every minute across the United States. While nearly everyone car accident results in property damage, personal injury or the risk of legal action, many motorists do not seek legal guidance after being part of an accident that wasn’t their fault; however, doing so could help ensure compensation they are eligible for is obtained while ensuring liability for the crash is avoided. No matter what the situation may be or how minor the damage may seem, consulting a knowledgeable personal accident attorney can ensure you receive the best outcome.

In Oklahoma, the legal process following a car accident is not always clear.

Although there are a few key steps that every driver should keep in mind to ensure they are taking the steps necessary to submit a claim to their insurance company. In essence, in the immediate aftermath of an accident, the driver will want to report the accident, document the scene, seek medical attention as needed and then report their accident to the other driver’s insurance provider.

After a claim is filed, the insurance company will investigate and provide a settlement that, if accepted, requires the individual to waive their right to sue on their own. Most importantly, drivers must understand that they do not have to accept the settlement if it does not cover damages adequately.

Qualifiers for Car Accident Lawsuits

For motorists that seek damages through the legal system after a car accident, it is important to understand what qualifiers must be fulfilled to ensure a successful outcome. Unfortunately, few drivers understand the car accident lawsuit process because it is often written in a language or terms that they are unfamiliar with. Working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney that has broad experience with car accident lawsuits or settlement processes with insurance providers can help expedite the process and simplify it; however, some of the qualifiers that must be met include a combination of the following:

• Property Damage – Nearly every car accident will result in a wide range of potential damages that could be purely cosmetic or could result in a car that has been totaled and can no longer be used or repaired. No matter how severe the accident was, property damage is undoubtedly a qualifier that will need to be met before you contact a personal injury attorney.
  
  
• Personal Injury – Since no two accidents are the same, the injuries that a driver or passengers experience could vary from minor whiplash to total paralysis. As a qualifier of a potential personal injury lawsuit following a car accident, a personal injury must be present and document for a successful case.
• Medical Documentation – Providing the extent of a personal injury will often require documentation from a doctor or other trusted healthcare provider. So, it is important to always seek medical attention following a car accident to create documentation that can help strengthen or prove a case.
  
  

Many motorists that have been part of a car accident that was not their fault will choose to deny an accident occurred in an attempt to save money. Accepting the initial settlement may seem like a great option; however, individuals should expect to get more if they take a case to court and win. If you seek to negotiate a settlement, bringing proof of all incurred expenses related to the accident is best.



Just make sure you are not making the decisions on your own and are actively working with a qualified personal injury attorney to ensure your claim remains intact.

Why Graves McLain?

All motor vehicle and commercial vehicle accident cases are handled on a no-win, no fee basis.

That means Graves McLain only gets paid after our clients get paid. If there is no recovery, then there is no legal fee. Contact us today for a Free Case Evaluation at 918-359-6600, or email us directly or request a Free Consultation online by filling out the form on this website. An experienced attorney will review your situation at?no cost to you. Trust our team. We are here to help.