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How Our McAlester Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You!

The time after a serious car accident can be chaotic and scary, especially if you’ve suffered significant injuries and property damage. You are in a lot of pain and mental shock. Perhaps you are unable to work and you may be facing a lifetime of disability. The damage to your vehicle may leave you without transportation. You have to deal with all of these hardships while the bills are piling up. The thought of wrangling with insurance companies and the legal system may be too much to bear.

Stop worrying now! An accomplished Oklahoma auto accident attorney at Edwards & Patterson Law is ready to help ease the burden of going through a car accident lawsuit. We care about you and what you’re going through. We are prepared to fight for your right to car crash compensation and see your case through to a successful result.

To make sure you protect your rights and best interests, call on the skilled car accident lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law. It is important to call immediately before evidence disappears and witnesses forget details. We closely examine the circumstances of your crash and car accident lawsuit. We often work with experts to investigate and reconstruct the wreck. We add up all of the losses you suffered. We then build a strong case to seek the car crash compensation you need and deserve.

We are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and are passionate about fighting for accident victims to get proper car accident settlements throughout Oklahoma. We care. We fight. We win!

What Steps Should You Take After a Car Accident in McAlester?

The moments, hours and days following a serious car accident are understandably a very confusing time for victims. Knowing what to do after a car accident and understanding car accident laws can increase the likelihood of a full recovery – physically, emotionally and financially.

  1. Stop at the scene.
  2. Get out of harm’s way if possible.
  3. Call 911.
  4. Check yourself and others for serious injuries if you are able.
  5. Seek medical treatment. Remember that some serious injuries do not show immediate symptoms, and “adrenaline” from the shock of a crash can mask injuries.
  6. If you are not taken by ambulance to the hospital, get a full medical examination as soon as possible, and be sure to let the doctor know that you were in a crash.
  7. Cooperate with the law enforcement officer who responds to the call.
  8. When talking to the police, answer questions honestly, but do not speculate or provide more information than you are asked.
  9. Obtain contact information, identification and insurance details from all the other drivers involved in the accident. Also get contact info for any witnesses.
  10. Take as many photos as you can of the accident scene, the damaged vehicles, your injuries and anything else that might be useful. If you are unable to do so yourself, ask someone else on the scene to take photos for you. Cellphones are very handy for this purpose.
  11. Report the accident to your insurance company, but do not provide a written or recorded statement without the advice of your attorney.
  12. Get help from a qualified car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you call, the sooner your lawyer can begin investigating the crash and dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf.
  13. Follow through with all medical appointments and treatments.
  14. Take daily notes about how your injuries have affected your life.
  15. Do not accept a quick settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company. It is most likely far less than you deserve.

What Should I Expect After a Car Accident?

The moments after a collision are often filled with stress, pain, and confusion. However, it’s important to remain calm and stay focused on your situation in the moment. One of the most important steps to take is to make sure you are in a safe location and avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. This often means moving your vehicle to the side of the road, if possible. If you can do so safely, you should take pictures of your vehicle, the scene of the accident, and the other vehicles involved.

You should never, under any circumstances, leave the scene of an accident before police and emergency medical help arrives.

Pay attention to any injuries or sensations of pain and call emergency services. It is critical that you seek medical attention. This should happen as soon as possible to get the proper treatment and diagnosis of your injuries. Sometimes, symptoms of severe injuries may not appear until days or weeks after the accident. Be aware of late-developing injuries and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Taking these initial steps and being diligent about attending follow-up medical appointments could have a big impact on the recovery of your health. The diagnosis from your doctor may also be an integral part of an injury claim.

What Should I Do After an Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

If you are able to safely approach the other driver, you should ask for the following information:

  • Auto insurance
  • Driver’s license
  • License plate number
  • Personal contact details

The other driver will likely want to get the same information from you.

Also, you should take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident and any other damaged property. You should keep track of anything the at-fault driver says to you, but it is likely a better idea to let the police do any investigating or questioning.

Be sure not to say anything that could be viewed as an admission of fault. Even though your instinct might be to apologize, the less you say, the better.

What Should I Do if I Think the Crash Was My Fault?

You may be unsure if your actions may have led to the crash. You should know that investigations often show that drivers were only partially at fault for the collision that caused serious injuries. Even if you are concerned about the consequences of the accident, you should keep in mind that all of the facts are not readily apparent in the confusion that follows a crash.

You should avoid stating anything that that could be perceived as admitting fault or responsibility. You won’t know for sure who was at fault or if you are owed compensation until you speak with an attorney about the crash.

How Do I File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident?

The first step to take regarding an insurance claim is to report to your insurer the fact that you were involved in an accident. Different insurance carriers process claims in different ways. Your carrier may conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Most conversations with insurance companies, whether your own or the other driver’s, are recorded. Do not provide any insurance company with a written or recorded statement about the cause of the accident without the help of a lawyer. Insurance companies may even watch your activity in public and on social media, so be aware of your actions following an injury accident.

Depending on the policy, you may be entitled to immediate reimbursement for certain expenses. You should confirm whether your insurance company covers vehicle repairs, car rentals, or medical expenses after an accident. You should keep track of any receipts or records that arise after an accident.

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