Experienced trial attorneys for serious car accident cases in OKC

Our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote bring compassion and impressive legal skill to every case. As a leading OKC personal injury law firm, each case is given the full attention of the firm, with responsive, personalized service. A car accident can lead to injuries with long-term financial, physical, and emotional consequences. The at-fault driver must be held accountable for the injuries and other damages.

two cars in a crash

Types of car accident injuries

The legal team of Jack Stipe and James Belote are recognized for their accomplishments in personal injury law. They handle a range of car accident injury cases, including but not limited to:

Legal help for car accident injuries in OKC

After a car accident caused by another driver, you may expect to be treated fairly by the negligent driver’s insurance company. Sadly, this is rarely what occurs. Insurance companies are notorious for denying claims or offering settlements far lower than the victim deserves. At the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote, our personal injury attorneys take on insurance companies with confidence, skill, and professionalism. The legal team at the firm has recovered millions of dollars in damages for the injured victims and brings over 50 years of combined experience to every case.

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Car accident lawyer serving Oklahoma

No matter what type of accident, you can have confidence in our OKC car accident lawyer’s ability to vigorously protect your rights and interests. With legal representation from the firm, you can focus on the most important issue: your health and recovery. Call the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer.

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Car accident statistics in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City has a staggering number of vehicle accidents each year. The Highway Safety Crash Facts reveal that in a recent year, a total of 18,935 accidents occurred in OKC, about 50 each day. During a recently reported year, 105 fatalities and 293 serious injuries were sustained in car accidents in the area. The majority of car accidents in the state occur on city streets, but the majority of others occur on urban U.S. highways, rural U.S. highways, and interstate highways. Statewide, there were 681 fatal accidents, 1703 serious accidents, and 66,074 accidents.

If you drive a vehicle in Oklahoma, no matter how carefully you follow the rules of the road, you are sharing the roadway with other drivers who may operate a vehicle in an unsafe or reckless manner. Innocent people are seriously injured or die when encountering another driver who is speeding, drunk, aggressive, high on drugs, distracted, or violating traffic laws. If you or a loved one is a victim of a severe car accident, reach out to the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote for a law firm you can trust to protect your rights and interests.

Common types of car accidents

Auto collisions, even at slower speeds, can leave an innocent driver or passenger suffering severe or catastrophic injuries.

The most common types of car accidents in the state include:

These collisions may involve another passenger vehicle, a large commercial truck, pickup, SUV, van, or delivery truck. Our attorneys represent clients who have suffered a car accident injury with almost 50 years of collective legal experience and knowledge. At the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote, we have access to professional resources to assist us in pursuing justice and full compensation, including accident investigators, accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, financial experts, and others. Every case we take on is carefully and professionally evaluated to determine the value of a claim or lawsuit. Best of all, our clients are kept informed throughout the process to help ensure your peace of mind and will seek the quickest recovery possible.

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How can we help?

Car accidents can be life-changing events, leaving injured victims facing skyrocketing medical bills, months of rehabilitation, lost income from work, and pain and suffering.

Our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers focus on helping clients achieve the compensation they deserve – not the low settlement an insurance company will typically offer. If the insurance company does not come through with a fair offer, our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers, ready to take the case to court to seek justice if necessary.

Do I need a lawyer?

Ensuring you have the protection of a talented car accident attorney is particularly important in negotiating the terms of a settlement with an insurance company. It may shock you that the insurance company will unfairly deny or delay payment on a valid injury claim. At best, the insurance company may offer a meager settlement that won’t cover your economic losses, not to mention the emotional toll of an accident, including pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. When under the care of The Law Offices of Stipe & Belote, you can trust that we will pursue all damages with confidence, legal skill, and determination.

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How long do I have to file an injury claim after a car crash?

If you were involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim or lawsuit. If the claim is filed against a government entity, you must file a written notice of claim within one year from the collision date. The earlier our firm gets involved, the better, as with time, critical evidence is often lost or destroyed, and witness memories fade. When represented by the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote, all relevant evidence will be gathered and preserved, and eyewitnesses will be interviewed while memories are fresh.

Types of compensation

Car accident injury claims and lawsuits can seek three types of damages:

Economic damages

These are the financial losses associated with emergency medical care, ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, rehabilitation, and other actual losses.

Non-economic damages

Often the highest portion of a settlement, the non-economic damages reflect the personal impact on the injured individual, including pain and suffering, emotional anguish, reduced quality of life, and other very personal losses.

Punitive damages

In some car accident lawsuits, punitive damages are awarded – an amount of money paid to punish the responsible party. These damages can be pursued in cases of reckless conduct, capped at $100,000 on top of other damages. In cases in which a defendant in a lawsuit is proven to have acted intentionally or with malice, the punitive damages paid can be as high as $500,000.

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Steps to take after a car accident in Oklahoma City

If you were involved in a car accident in Oklahoma City, there are some helpful steps to take to ensure you do not inadvertently affect the value of your settlement or jury award:

  • Check your own condition and that of any passengers. If any person is injured, immediately call 911 for emergency services.
  • If you are able, move your vehicle to the side of the road, street, or highway.
  • Speak respectfully to law enforcement who arrive at the scene, but do not admit fault.
  • Take pictures with your phone, if possible, with images of the vehicles involved, tire marks on the roadway, and your injuries.
  • Do not speak to the responsible party’s insurance company without first speaking with an attorney. 
  • Ensure you have a full medical evaluation. Tell the doctor you were in a vehicle accident, as many very serious injuries are not immediately visible, such as closed-head injuries, internal injuries, and painful and long-lasting soft tissue injuries.

Contact the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote for top-level counsel.

Our car accident attorneys in Oklahoma City handle all types of auto accidents on a contingency fee basis, with no legal fees unless we win – and we are known for winning our cases. Your initial consultation is free, and you do not need to worry about paying out-of-pocket for our services. There is no risk involved in discussing your car accident with an experienced auto accident lawyer in our office. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation from a law firm you can trust to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

decorative plate in Stipe & Belote's office

FAQs

What should I do immediately after being involved in a car accident?

How can I determine if I have a valid legal claim after a car accident?

What types of compensation can I seek after a car accident?

How long do I have to file a legal claim after a car accident?

What role does insurance play in car accident claims?

What should I do if the other party's insurance company contacts me?

How does the legal process for car accident claims typically unfold?

What is the potential timeline for resolving a car accident legal claim?

How does comparative negligence affect car accident claims?

What sets a skilled car accident attorney apart when handling legal claims?

What should I do immediately after being involved in a car accident?

After a car accident, the first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location and check for injuries. It's crucial to exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. Additionally, documenting the accident scene by taking photos and gathering witness information can be valuable. Promptly reporting the accident to law enforcement and seeking medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, is essential for your health and any potential legal claims.

How can I determine if I have a valid legal claim after a car accident?

Determining the validity of a legal claim after a car accident involves assessing various factors, such as the extent of injuries, property damage, and liability. You may have a valid legal claim if you have suffered injuries or property damage due to another party's negligence or wrongful actions.

What types of compensation can I seek after a car accident?

In the aftermath of a car accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

How long do I have to file a legal claim after a car accident?

The timeframe for filing a legal claim after a car accident, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. It is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations applicable to your case, as failing to file a claim within the specified time frame can result in the forfeiture of your legal rights to seek compensation.

What role does insurance play in car accident claims?

Insurance plays a significant role in car accident claims, often covering medical expenses, property damage, and liability. Understanding the nuances of insurance policies, coverage limits, and the claims process is essential for maximizing your benefits.

What should I do if the other party's insurance company contacts me?

If the other party's insurance company contacts you, it's essential to be cautious about providing recorded statements or signing documents without consulting a car accident attorney. Insurance adjusters may seek to minimize the value of your claim, so having legal representation can help protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.

How does the legal process for car accident claims typically unfold?

The legal process for car accident claims often begins with an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, including gathering evidence, assessing liability, and determining the extent of damages. Subsequently, negotiations with insurance companies or the at-fault party may occur to settle. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, where a trial may be necessary to resolve the matter.

What is the potential timeline for resolving a car accident legal claim?

The timeline for resolving a car accident legal claim can vary depending on the case's complexity, the extent of injuries, and the willingness of the involved parties to negotiate. While some cases may be resolved through settlement negotiations within a few months, others may require more time, particularly if litigation becomes necessary.

How does comparative negligence affect car accident claims?

Comparative negligence is a legal principle that can impact car accident claims in states that recognize this doctrine. Under comparative negligence, the compensation awarded to an injured party may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault in the accident. Understanding how comparative negligence applies to your case is crucial, as it can influence the potential recovery of damages.

What sets a skilled car accident attorney apart when handling legal claims?

A skilled car accident attorney possesses the knowledge, experience, and resources to effectively advocate for your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available. From conducting thorough investigations and negotiating with insurance companies to representing your interests in litigation, a dedicated car accident attorney can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process, ultimately striving to secure a favorable outcome for your case.

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