What should I look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma City?
Look for an attorney with proven trial experience and a strong track record in cases similar to yours. The best personal injury lawyers have won significant settlements or verdicts and aren't afraid to take cases to court if insurance companies won't offer fair compensation.
Check their credentials, including membership in professional organizations like the Oklahoma Association for Justice or the American Association for Justice. These memberships show commitment to staying current on legal strategies and networking with top attorneys. Review online testimonials and case results to see how they've helped clients with similar injuries.
Meet with at least three attorneys before deciding. Pay attention to how they communicate—you want someone who explains legal concepts clearly and responds promptly to your questions. Ask about their caseload to ensure they have time to give your case the attention it deserves.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Oklahoma City?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They typically charge 33% to 40% of your settlement or verdict, with the percentage often increasing if your case goes to trial.
Under Oklahoma law, attorneys can structure fees differently based on case complexity. Some lawyers charge 33% if the case settles before filing a lawsuit, 40% if litigation begins, and up to 45% if the case reaches appeal. Always get the fee agreement in writing before signing.
You won't pay attorney fees if you don't win your case. However, you may still be responsible for case expenses like expert witness fees, medical record costs, and court filing fees. Many attorneys cover these costs during your case and deduct them from your settlement.
What types of personal injury cases do Oklahoma City lawyers handle?
Oklahoma City attorneys handle car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers. These cases often involve serious injuries and complex liability issues requiring thorough investigation.
Personal injury lawyers also represent clients injured in slip and fall accidents, dog bites, nursing home abuse, and workplace injuries. They handle wrongful death claims when negligence causes fatal injuries. Medical malpractice, product liability, and premises liability cases fall within their expertise as well.
Some attorneys focus on specific case types like oil field accidents or construction site injuries, which are common in Oklahoma. Choose a lawyer with experience in your specific type of injury for the best results.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Oklahoma?
You have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Title 23 O.S. § 61. This statute of limitations applies to most accident cases, including car crashes, slip and falls, and other negligence claims.
Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation forever. Courts rarely grant exceptions unless you were a minor when injured or didn't immediately discover your injury. Oklahoma law extends the deadline in wrongful death cases—families have two years from the date of death to file.
Don't wait until the deadline approaches to contact an attorney. Building a strong case takes time, and evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses forget details, surveillance footage gets erased, and accident scenes change. Start your claim as soon as possible after your injury.
What is my personal injury case worth in Oklahoma City?
Case value depends on your medical expenses, lost wages, and the severity of your injuries. Oklahoma law allows you to recover economic damages like hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and future medical care. You can also seek non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Serious injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities typically result in higher settlements. Cases involving clear liability and extensive medical treatment tend to be worth more. Your attorney will calculate damages by reviewing medical records, consulting with experts, and considering how your injuries affect your daily life.
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule under Title 23 O.S. § 13. If you're partially at fault for your accident, your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault. You can't recover any damages if you're more than 50% responsible for the accident.
How long does it take to settle a personal injury case in Oklahoma City?
Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries often settle within three to six months. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take 12 to 24 months or longer to resolve.
The settlement timeline depends on several factors. You shouldn't settle until you reach maximum medical improvement—the point where doctors don't expect further recovery. Settling too early might leave you without compensation for future medical needs. Insurance companies also affect timing by how quickly they investigate claims and make offers.
Cases that go to trial in Oklahoma County District Court take longer. The court system has busy dockets, and getting a trial date can add months to your case. However, many cases settle shortly before trial when insurance companies finally make reasonable offers.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a personal injury lawyer?
Bring any police reports, accident reports, or incident documentation from your case. These documents establish what happened and who responded to the scene. Include photos of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and any hazardous conditions that caused your accident.
Gather all medical records and bills related to your injury. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor's appointments, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment. Bring insurance information for all parties involved, including your health insurance, auto insurance, and the at-fault party's insurance details.
Write down a timeline of events while details are fresh in your memory. List witness names and contact information if anyone saw the accident. Bring proof of lost income, like pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer documenting missed work.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company made me an offer?
Yes, especially if you've suffered significant injuries. Insurance companies often make quick, low offers hoping you'll accept before understanding your case's full value. Their first offer rarely covers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs.
An experienced attorney knows insurance company tactics and can negotiate for fair compensation. Under Oklahoma law, you have the right to legal representation before accepting any settlement. Once you sign a release, you typically can't reopen your case even if your injuries worsen.
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. They're trained to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you. Having an attorney handle communications protects your rights and prevents costly mistakes.
What questions should I ask during my lawyer consultation?
Ask about their experience with cases like yours and their success rate. Find out how many similar cases they've handled and what results they achieved. Request information about their trial experience—some attorneys rarely go to court and may settle cases for less than they're worth.
Question their approach to your specific case. How will they investigate the accident? What experts might they consult? What's their communication style and how often will they update you? Understanding their strategy helps you gauge whether they're the right fit.
Discuss fees and costs in detail. Get clarification on the percentage they charge and when it increases. Ask who pays for case expenses and what happens if you lose. Request a written fee agreement before signing anything.
Can I switch lawyers if I'm unhappy with my current attorney?
Yes, you have the right to change lawyers at any point during your case. Oklahoma's Rules of Professional Conduct protect your right to choose representation. However, switching attorneys may delay your case while the new lawyer gets up to speed.
Your original attorney may have a lien on your case for work already completed. This means they can claim a portion of your settlement for the time they invested. The fee split between your old and new attorneys gets resolved through negotiation or court intervention if necessary.
Before switching, communicate your concerns with your current lawyer. Sometimes, poor communication or misunderstandings can be fixed. If problems persist, research new attorneys carefully and ensure they're willing to take over your case at its current stage.
What makes a personal injury lawyer experienced in Oklahoma City?
Experience means handling numerous cases in the Oklahoma County District Court and understanding local court procedures. Seasoned attorneys know the judges, opposing counsel, and how cases typically proceed in this jurisdiction. They've built relationships with local medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other professionals who strengthen cases.
Look for attorneys who've practiced personal injury law for at least five years and focus primarily on injury cases. They should have trial experience and not just settle every case. Membership in state and national trial lawyer organizations demonstrates ongoing education and commitment to the field.
The best Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers have verifiable results through settlements and verdicts. They should provide references from past clients and have positive reviews from independent sources. Their reputation among peers matters too—respected attorneys often get better results through negotiation.
How do Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers investigate accidents?
Attorneys begin by collecting all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage. They visit accident scenes to photograph conditions, take measurements, and identify factors that contributed to your injuries. This immediate action preserves evidence before it disappears.
Lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze physical evidence and create detailed reports about how the accident occurred. They consult medical experts who review your records and provide opinions on your injuries, treatment needs, and prognosis. Economic experts may calculate lifetime care costs for catastrophic injuries.
Your attorney will also investigate the at-fault party's background, including their driving record, employment history, or property maintenance records. They'll examine insurance policies to identify all available coverage. This thorough investigation builds a strong case that maximizes your compensation.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster before hiring a lawyer?
Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurance company before consulting an attorney. Adjusters are skilled at asking questions designed to reduce claim value or deny liability. Anything you say can be used to undermine your case later.
You must report the accident to your own insurance company under your policy terms. However, limit your statement to basic facts about when, where, and how the accident happened. Don't speculate about fault, minimize injuries, or guess about facts you don't know.
Insurance companies often contact injury victims within hours or days of an accident, hoping to settle quickly and cheaply. Politely decline to discuss your case and say you're seeking legal advice. This protects your rights without jeopardizing your claim.
What damages can I recover in an Oklahoma personal injury case?
Economic damages include all financial losses from your injury. You can recover past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Keep detailed records of every expense related to your accident and injury.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Oklahoma doesn't cap these damages in most personal injury cases. The severity and permanence of your injuries significantly affect non-economic damage awards.
Punitive damages are available under Title 23 O.S. § 9.1 when the defendant's conduct was reckless, intentional, or grossly negligent. These damages punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct. However, Oklahoma caps punitive damages at the greater of $100,000 or the amount of compensatory damages awarded.
