At some point, everyone will get injured, whether it’s our own fault, an unforeseen event, or an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. In some cases, you’ll have to deal with the damages on your own, while in others, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party. If you were injured due to an accident caused by someone else, you may be asking, “Do I need an attorney for a personal injury claim?” or “When should I contact a personal injury attorney?”
While everyone’s situation will be a little different, it is likely in your best interests to work with an attorney for a few reasons. If you’d like to consult with a personal injury attorney and live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or anywhere throughout Eastern Oklahoma, including Muskogee, Bartlesville, or McAlester, give us a call at the Law Offices of Jeff Martin to learn more.
Common Personal Injuries
A personal injury attorney can help you with any number of scenarios which could include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Car accidents
- Product liability
- Medical malpractice
- Assault and battery
- Premises liability cases
Knowing When to Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm
There are some cases where you may be able to handle the claims process on your own, and there’s nothing in the law that requires you to work with a lawyer. In some instances, this may be a viable option, while in others you may be putting yourself at a real disadvantage by trying to tackle this on your own. Consider the following scenarios where hiring a professional is likely your best choice:
- Is Oklahoma a fault or no-fault state? States are divided into two camps when addressing insurance claims after incidents like car accidents: “fault” and “no-fault” states. In a no-fault state, you typically file a claim on your own insurance policy before you can pursue damages from the other driver—regardless of who caused the accident. In these states, it may be perfectly reasonable to handle this on your own, especially if your insurance covers all your expenses. Oklahoma, however, is a fault state, which means you’ll have to file a claim right away with the other driver’s policy. Negotiating a settlement with an insurance adjuster can be tricky, and they’ll often try to lowball you an offer. Working with a lawyer can help counter this and may ultimately get you a larger settlement.
- Injuries are serious: Any time you’re left with serious injuries (such as those that result in surgery or require you to miss work) this should be handled by an attorney to ensure all your medical expenses are covered as well as other costs associated with them. All too often, these injuries require ongoing care, which will continue to cost you months if not years down the line.
- You don’t know your options: If you’re at all confused about your next steps after an injury or how to go about seeking compensation, it’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney who can educate you on your choices.
- Dealing with insurance: Insurance companies are notoriously hard to deal with since they are always trying to close your case as fast as possible while also saving themselves money. This is stressful enough on its own, but when you’re also recovering from your injuries and the trauma of the accident itself, it can be extremely helpful to have someone else take over the role of negotiator.
- Proof of negligence isn’t easy: Lastly, gathering the documentation and evidence you’ll need to mount a successful claim can be overwhelming and confusing. A skilled attorney will know exactly what you need to bolster your case and can help you organize it.
Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim and want the help of a lawyer, you should always be prepared with questions for your first meeting to make sure you’re a good fit.
Questions you should ask a personal injury attorney:
- What is your fee structure and when will I be expected to pay?
- Who will I be working with on a day-to-day basis?
- What kinds of cases like mine have you handled in the past?
- What kind of compensation can I reasonably expect to receive?
- Do you think I have a strong case?
- What happens if I lose my case?
- How long can it take before my case is resolved?
- Am I able to speak with your past clients for references?
Turn to Dependable Legal Help
If you’ve recently been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault but you’re still asking yourself, “How can a personal injury attorney help me with my case?”, give us a call at the Law Offices of Jeff Martin in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to learn what a skilled lawyer can do for you.
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