Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer

Oklahoma City Car Accident Attorney

At Fulmer Sill, our team offers a unique approach: collaborative, client-focused, and results-oriented. Our car accident attorneys in Oklahoma City work diligently to balance the scales and put power back in the hands of everyday people rather than powerful insurance companies.

Our firm’s aggressive approach to litigation has helped us secure millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, showcasing our dedication to putting our clients first in every step! We are prepared to fight tirelessly for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Why Choose Us as Your Car Accident Attorney in OKC?

At Fulmer Sill, our attorneys have won millions for auto accident victims across Oklahoma. We prioritize understanding each client’s specific circumstances to tailor our approach effectively for every unique situation and ensure the process is as smooth and transparent as possible.

A few of our success stories include:

• $5.2 million verdict: A car struck our client while walking.
• $2.35 million settlement: Our client was injured when their car was hit by a truck.
• $1.97 million settlement: Our client was hit by a big rig, resulting in serious injuries.
• $1.75 million settlement: Our client suffered a TBI in a rear-end accident.
• $1.3 million settlement: Our client was injured after being hit by a drunk driver.
• $1.025 million settlement: Our client suffered a TBI in a rollover accident.

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Hear from Karen, a former client, about how we assisted her after a car accident:

Listen to More Client Experiences

Understanding Oklahoma’s Car Accident Laws

Oklahoma follows a traditional fault-based or “tort” system regarding car insurance and accident claims. Under this system, seeking compensation involves filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company and adhering to the specific rules governing personal injury litigation in the state, which can include statutes of limitations and required evidence presentations.

This involves:

• Proving the other party’s fault;
• Proving your injuries and
• Proving the nature and extent of your damages.

The state requires drivers to carry liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. The minimum insurance requirements currently include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

What If the Other Driver Is Blaming Me?

If an at-fault driver accuses you of being partially responsible for the accident, you may still be eligible to file a compensation claim. Oklahoma adheres to a “modified comparative negligence” doctrine, which allows recovery as long as you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault.

However, the compensation amount will be adjusted by your degree of fault. For instance, if damages total $100,000 but you are found 30 percent at fault, you may still recover 70 percent, or $70,000 of the total damages. Understanding this aspect is crucial as it requires precise documentation and argumentation to avoid undue fault assignment and maximize recovery potential.

Car Accident Cases We Handle in Oklahoma City

Our firm is adept at handling diverse car accident scenarios, including those involving:

• Rear-end and head-on collisions
• T-bone (side-impact) accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Hit and run accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Rideshare accidents (Uber & Lyft)
• Uninsured motorist accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents

If you’ve been injured in such scenarios, it is crucial to explore your options for pursuing claims against those responsible. Our Oklahoma City car accident attorneys at Fulmer Sill stand ready to provide insight and help navigate you through each step of the recovery journey.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Oklahoma

Many factors contribute to vehicle accidents, but negligence is the most common. Often, another motorist acts negligently, leading to a crash. However, in some cases, the negligence of a manufacturer, construction company, or another third party can result in a devastating or deadly motor vehicle accident.

Statistically, prominent causes include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Tailgating/following too closely
• Disobeying traffic signals and signs
• Dangerous and illegal maneuvers
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Unsafe or unlawful passing
• Unsafe or defective road conditions
• Inadequate roadway maintenance
• Auto defects

Our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers carefully review the facts of each case to determine how an accident occurred. We often work with accident reconstructionists and experts who help us identify third-party negligence and other contributing factors. In many cases, these specialists provide crucial expert testimony on behalf of our clients. In every instance, our attorneys use all available resources to build powerful, innovative cases to secure the maximum compensation you are owed.

Automotive Defects

Automotive defects can significantly contribute to—or directly cause—major accidents.

Common auto defects include:

• Unsafe vehicle design, such as top-heavy SUVs that roll over easily
• Seatbelt, airbag, and other safety equipment defects
• Tire defects leading to tire blowouts
• Faulty accelerators, braking systems, and engine components

Even at relatively low speeds, an auto defect can have catastrophic consequences. Motorists may lose control of their vehicles or become involved in rollovers, rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and other severe accidents. Our team can determine whether an auto defect contributed to or caused an accident by conducting exhaustive accident investigations and meticulously reviewing all available evidence.

If necessary, we are fully prepared to bring product liability claims against automotive companies, manufacturers, and other liable parties. We have a long history of success handling complex claims against all types of powerful entities, and we are known for our willingness to go to trial.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Oklahoma City

Car accidents often result in injuries ranging from minor to severe. Injuries can impact quality of life, making understanding their implications essential for recovery and continuous support.

Typical injuries seen include:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burn injuries
• Amputation/loss of limbs
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Psychological trauma
• Whiplash
• Broken bones

The severity of the injuries can vary due to factors like how fast the vehicles involved were going, where any impacts to the car happened, whether the occupants were wearing seatbelts and the presence of safety features like airbags.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Oklahoma

Most of us know what to do when we get into an accident. Documenting the scene of the incident, seeking immediate medical treatment, and initiating claims with your insurance company and the other party’s insurance company are all wise courses of action.

File a Police Report & Exchange Information

Immediately after a car accident, it is important to initiate a police report and exchange valuable information with the other people involved, such as names, phone numbers, and license and insurance information.

Many even take photos of the damaged vehicles, traffic signals, skid marks, and debris. However, a common mistake you want to avoid is accepting liability for the accident by apologizing or admitting fault. Insurance companies often attempt to use your statements—even something like, “I’m so sorry!”—to attribute fault to you.

The best course of action is simply to provide an accurate, honest, and detailed statement of what happened and let the police officers and insurance companies determine fault based on their investigations.

Write Down Everything You Can Remember

After any traffic accident, you should immediately seek medical attention to determine what injuries the accident may have caused. You should also notify your insurance company and the other party’s insurance company as soon as possible to open a claim.

Keeping an organized paper trail of medical records, bills, and all communication with both your insurer and the third-party insurer is essential, as is keeping a journal documenting all the issues that may not be apparent in your medical records.

A consistent written history of everything describing your pain, symptoms, treatments, and the daily impact your injuries have on you and your family is critical. Your journal, along with the written details of all conversations with adjusters, is critical in proving pain and suffering and other losses related to the accident.

Use Caution When Signing Authorization Forms

As part of an insurance company’s investigation, you will likely be overwhelmed with letters and requests regarding your claim. Insurance adjusters will ask you to sign authorization forms to obtain medical records, health provider bills, and employer wage information.

Although your insurance policy may require you to sign one of these authorizations, you are not required to give your insurance company full access to all your medical and employment information.

Be sure to carefully read the authorization requested of you and limit the personal information the insurance company can access by restricting the language of the form to the treatment received from the accident or the days missed/wages lost for missed work due to the accident.

You may explain to the other party’s insurance company that you will supply all significant and material documents, records, and bills once obtained or when treatment is completed to avoid signing an authorization.

Ask About Your Coverage

Ask your insurance company to describe the types of coverages associated with your policy and the potential coverages that may apply to your claim. This is particularly important if your policy includes medical payment (MedPay) coverage and/or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

Request a copy of your policy and declaration page, and carefully read the policy to ensure the insurance adjuster does not overlook or withhold any information or obligations.

Avoid Discussing the Accident or Posting on Social Media

Limiting your conversations to those directly involved with the investigation of your claim or the medical treatment of your injuries from the accident is an additional protective measure to ensure your claim is handled correctly. This might also include restricting communication between you and the insurance provider for the person who injured you.

It is important to remember the insurance company of the person who injured you does not have the same obligations to you as your insurer. Their job is to protect the person who injured you.

It is also important to limit or even avoid online posts or discussions about your auto accident, injuries, or medical treatments on social media accounts or blogs to prevent anyone from misconstruing or misunderstanding your comments or photos while your claim is being handled.

Talk to a Lawyer Before Accepting a Settlement

Almost all insurance companies intend to settle and close claims immediately. An insurance company will make a settlement offer and ask you to sign a release of liability form. By signing the release form, you agree to accept their settlement offer for damages and bring your claim to a close.

More importantly, by doing so, you are relinquishing your right to take any further legal action or bring any additional damages for your claim. Due to the nature of injuries and loss associated with automotive accidents, it is always safe to wait until you are no longer in need of medical treatment or suffering any other type of physical, emotional, or financial loss.

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself after an accident is to contact an experienced and aggressive attorney like those at Fulmer Sill. With decades of collective experience, our Oklahoma City car accident attorneys have the resources, skills, and in-depth legal knowledge to effectively and aggressively advocate for you.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay in Seeing a Doctor

In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, you may experience shock and confusion, clouding your judgment. However, regardless of the perceived severity of the accident, seeking prompt medical attention is imperative for several reasons.

Hidden or Delayed Injuries

After a car accident, your body releases adrenaline, which can temporarily mask pain and symptoms of injuries. As a result, you may not immediately notice the extent of your injuries. Some injuries, such as whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or internal damage, may not present symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks later.

By seeking medical attention immediately, medical professionals can assess your condition thoroughly and identify hidden injuries, ensuring they are treated promptly before they worsen.

Documentation for Insurance Claims

Medical documentation is essential if you plan to file an insurance claim for your car accident. Insurance companies often require evidence of injuries sustained in the accident to process your claim. A timely visit to a medical professional will establish a connection between your injuries and the accident, strengthening your case and increasing the likelihood of a fair settlement.

Rehabilitation & Recovery

If your injuries are severe, you may require rehabilitation to regain full functionality and mobility. Timely medical attention can speed up recovery. Physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other rehabilitation programs can be prescribed promptly, increasing the chances of a successful recovery.

Peace of Mind

Even if you feel fine after a car accident, the emotional aftermath can be overwhelming. Anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common responses to such traumatic events. By seeking medical attention, you gain peace of mind knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to ensure your health and well-being.

Local Insights on Oklahoma Roads

Oklahoma’s distinct road conditions and state regulations can significantly impact auto accident rates. The unpredictable weather, featuring sudden downpours and icy roads, requires seasoned driving skills and can often increase accident risk. Understanding these local nuances helps drivers better prepare and adjust their driving habits accordingly, reducing potential accidents and enhancing overall road safety.

Moreover, Oklahoma City experiences varied traffic patterns, with higher congestion during peak hours contributing to increased road hazards. Areas around downtown or near major highways such as I-35 and I-40 are often bustling, demanding more vigilant driving. Being aware of these regional traits can assist drivers in navigating safely and responsibly, ultimately preventing accidents and ensuring safer commutes for all road users.

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