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Last Modified on Jun 06, 2026
Car accidents can be extremely stressful events, and in the rush of adrenaline following a trauma like that, it may be difficult to think clearly and decide what steps to take next. If you live in the growing Edmond area, it is important to know what to do in the aftermath of a car accident, and you may have asked yourself: When should you call a lawyer after a car accident in Edmond?
Car Accidents in Oklahoma and the United States
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration compiles and publishes a detailed report regarding car accident statistics for each year. The most recent year for which there is a complete data set is 2023.
In that year, the United States recorded a total of more than 6.1 million car accidents, resulting in nearly 1.7 million injuries and 37,654 fatalities. In the same year, 718 people were killed on Oklahoma’s roadways.
A wide variety of factors contribute to car accidents. The biggest cause of accidents is negligent drivers. Some other common causes include the following:
- Distraction: In today’s technology-saturated world, it can be difficult for drivers to look away from their devices long enough to stay safe on the road. Cell phones, among other things, cause drivers to stop paying attention, and it only takes a second or two to hit another car.
- Speeding: Speed limits are posted to keep people safe, and when drivers ignore them, sometimes they lose control of their vehicles and cause accidents.
- Weather conditions: Roads can quickly become slick in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions, often contributing to car accidents.
- Intoxication: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is exceptionally dangerous, as intoxication can slow a driver’s reaction time and cause disorientation. Every day, 32 Americans on average are killed in drunk driving accidents.
When Should You Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Edmond?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Edmond and you have suffered injuries because of it, you should hire a car accident lawyer as soon as you can. If you are able to do so, you should call an attorney before you even contact the liable driver’s insurance company.
Insurance companies sometimes reach out and contact drivers injured by their clients in an effort to get them to agree to settlements that are significantly lower than what they need to offset their losses. This is why it is very important that you do not accept any settlement offer until you have had a chance to consult an attorney.
Ideally, you would call an attorney immediately after an accident in order to have the lawyer handle communication between you and the other driver’s insurance company. Sometimes, a letter from an attorney is all it takes to convince an insurance company that you are serious about seeking compensation, and they may offer a more reasonable settlement.
Assuming that the insurance company does not cooperate, as often happens, your lawyer can help you by filing a civil action with the Oklahoma County District Court on your behalf. After your case is filed, your lawyer can handle the negotiations and represent you in the courtroom if your case moves to litigation.
Can You Represent Yourself?
It is possible and legal for you to represent yourself in a car accident personal injury claim in Edmond, but this is not advisable. Most people do not have the deep knowledge of Oklahoma personal injury law that is necessary to successfully advocate for themselves. Furthermore, if you are injured in an accident, you are likely to be preoccupied with your physical and mental recovery. Hiring an attorney removes that burden from your shoulders.
What Compensation Can Your Lawyer Help You Get?
If you file a personal injury claim for a car accident injury with the help of an attorney, any settlement package you receive should take care of all of your losses resulting from the accident. The goal of a personal injury settlement is to restore a victim’s life to the way it was before they were injured, as much as possible. Compensation categories usually include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
FAQs
Why Should I Choose an Attorney Who Has Handled Car Accident Cases Before?
Not all attorneys are equal. The fact that someone possesses a law degree does not indicate that they are a competent car accident attorney. When choosing a lawyer to help you get compensation for a car accident injury, you should select someone who has extensive experience with handling car accident cases. That way, you can be confident that the attorney is well-versed in personal injury law and understands the nuances associated with a car accident case.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Injury Claim in Edmond?
Yes. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those related to car accident injuries, is two years from the date of the accident. After two years have passed, injured people generally cannot use the legal system to pursue compensation. This is why it is essential to contact a lawyer as soon as you can to begin the process of seeking a settlement.
How Likely Is It for a Car Accident Case to Go to Trial?
The vast majority of personal injury cases do not reach the trial stage. Although it is possible for any car accident injury case to require litigation, most of the time, all parties involved are inclined to settle rather than go through with courtroom proceedings. Factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the ease of proving liability can make a case more or less likely to go to trial.
Should I Contact an Attorney Even if Liability Has Not Been Decided?
Yes. Even if the final police report has not yet been made available and you are unsure of whether you or the other driver are found liable for the accident, you should go ahead and contact an attorney as soon as you can after the accident. Your attorney can go ahead and begin investigating and building a case on your behalf.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer – Contact Fulmer Sill
If you have been injured because of another driver’s neglectful or wrongful conduct, you have the legal right to pursue compensation. At Fulmer Sill, our attorneys have decades of combined experience serving car accident injury victims. Contact us today for a consultation.
