Tulsa Car Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Car Accident Victims in Oklahoma

Being involved in an automobile accident is a frightening experience. Navigating the aftermath can be equally as stressful. You will need to deal with the insurance company and seek out fair compensation for your medical bills, auto repair costs, and other losses. But with Brewster & De Angelis by your side, you can rely on our team to handle these details while you focus on what matters most: healing.

Having an experienced attorney by your side can help with the recovery process and can make it easier to secure the benefits you deserve. At Brewster & De Angelis, our Tulsa car accident lawyers are committed to helping victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving multiple cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other automobiles. Since 1983, we have made it our mission to be a source of confidence for clients and their families.

Injured in an accident? Contact Brewster & De Angelis today at (918) 265-1214 to schedule a free initial consultation with our car accident lawyer in Tulsa. 

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, there are several critical steps you should take, both at the scene and in the hours, days, and weeks that follow.

If possible, immediately after the accident, do the following:

• Seek Medical Attention: Always see a medical provider for treatment after any car accident. If you are not given emergency treatment and/or transported to the hospital, you should see a primary care provider or go to the hospital as soon as possible. You could have underlying injuries or trauma that was initially masked by the shock of the crash.
• Report the Accident: If you or anyone else was injured, you should immediately call 911 and have the police come out to the scene of the crash. By law, you are required to report any accident that results in bodily injury or death to law enforcement “immediately and by the quickest means of communication.”
• Document Evidence: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. You should also talk to witnesses and get their names and contact information. If possible, get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved and write down everything you can remember about the incident.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: You are likely required to report the accident to your insurance company within a “reasonable” timeframe. Make sure you follow all rules outlined in your auto insurance policy, but avoid making any official statements about what happened or signing anything without first speaking to an attorney.
• Contact a Lawyer: The best way to navigate the claim filing process is to enlist the help of an experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer. A lawyer can work with the insurance company on your behalf and protect your right to full and fair compensation. If you are having trouble getting your claim paid, your lawyer can represent you in court.

The steps you take after an accident can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. We encourage you to contact our Tulsa car accident lawyers right away to learn how we can help.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Generally speaking, negligence is the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, both in Oklahoma and nationwide. This negligence can take many forms and may look like reckless, careless, or unlawful driving behaviors.

Specifically, some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

Additional factors can lead to serious collisions, such as poor visibility, inclement weather, and defective roadways. At Brewster & De Angelis, our Tulsa car accident attorneys carefully review every claim to determine if underlying factors played a role in the crash. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of maximum recovery for our clients.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash: This is one of the most common reported injuries after a car accident, particularly in rear-end collisions. Whiplash often occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and then snapped back, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries can vary from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even if the head does not strike a hard surface, the force of the impact can cause the brain to move within the skull, resulting in significant injury. Symptoms might not be immediately apparent, so seeking medical attention following an accident is crucial.
• Broken Bones: The force of a car collision can easily result in fractures. Commonly broken bones include arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Depending on the severity, recovery might involve surgery, physical therapy, and extended time off work.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can have long-lasting consequences, including partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe injuries to the spine can result in chronic pain and require constant medical treatment.
• Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal bleeding or damage to internal organs, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. These injuries may not be immediately visible, so it's essential to seek medical care even if you feel fine after an accident.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often referred to as soft tissue injuries, can cause considerable pain and may demand a lengthy recovery period.

Understanding the Importance of Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

After a car accident, it is crucial to prioritize your health and well-being. Even if you feel fine initially, it's important to seek immediate medical attention to ensure that any hidden injuries or underlying medical conditions are identified and treated promptly. At Brewster & De Angelis, we strongly recommend that you follow these steps:

• Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if necessary.
• Document your injuries: Take photos of any visible injuries you sustained in the accident.
• Visit a healthcare professional: Even if you don't have any visible injuries, it's essential to get a thorough medical examination to rule out any internal injuries or delayed symptoms.
• Follow the recommended treatment plan: If your healthcare professional prescribes any medication, physical therapy, or follow-up appointments, make sure to adhere to their instructions.

Seeking immediate medical attention not only ensures that your health is taken care of, but it also plays a crucial role in your car accident claim. Insurance companies often use delays in seeking medical treatment as a way to minimize or deny your claim. By promptly seeking medical attention, you can establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, strengthening your case.

What Are the Dangers of Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is one of the most common—and most dangerous—forms of negligence on our roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people died in distracted driving-related incidents in 2019 alone.

There are three main types of driving distractions:

• Visual Distractions: These include any activities that cause the driver to take their eyes off the road, even if only for a few seconds.
• Manual Distractions: Anything that causes the driver to remove one or both hands from the steering wheel is a manual distraction.
• Cognitive Distractions: A cognitive distraction is one that causes the driver to be focused on anything other than the task of driving.
• Auditory Distractions: These include any conduct or activities that cause the driver to be unable to hear or not pay attention to traffic-related sounds, such as sirens.

Additionally, some specific examples of driving distractions include:

These and other driving distractions can cause drivers to lose focus. This, in turn, can lead to devastating and even deadly collisions.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Car Accident Claim?

Possible damages may include:

Economic Damages: These are quantifiable losses that can be documented with bills, receipts, or other financial records. They include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical costs that are related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost wages for the time you were unable to work. If the injuries have long-term effects on your capacity to earn an income, you could also recover compensation for future lost earnings.
• Property Damage: This covers the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle and any other personal property that had been damaged in the incident.

Non-Economic Damages: These damages are often more subjective and compensate for the intangible losses suffered as a result of the accident. They include:

• Pain and Suffering: This compensation is for the physical pain and emotional despair caused by the accident and the resulting injuries.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be qualified to compensation for loss of companionship or affection.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have impacted your ability to enjoy activities or hobbies you once loved, you could be compensated for this loss.
• Punitive Damages: In some instances, punitive damages could be granted. These are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to discipline the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious behavior, such as driving under the influence or engaging in reckless driving.

What If You Were Partly at Fault?

If you were partly at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, you could still be entitled to seek compensation from the other person’s insurance company. Under Oklahoma’s rule of modified comparative negligence, you can still file a car accident claim as long as you were less at fault than the other party/parties. However, it is important to note that the amount you can recover will be reduced by your at-fault percentage.

For example, if the insurance adjuster finds you 25% at fault because you were driving almost 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit when you were hit by someone who was texting while driving and ran a red light, your recovery will be reduced by 25%. If you are seeking $100,000 in damages, this means that you could only recover up to $75,000, or 75% of the total amount.

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

When involved in a car accident in Tulsa, it is highly recommended to hire a car accident attorney to represent your interests. Auto insurance companies often prioritize their profits over fair claim settlements. They may challenge the extent of your injuries, place more blame on you than the other party, or unreasonably deny your claim without giving a reason. Dealing with insurance companies alone can be an arduous, stressful, and exasperating process. By enlisting the services of a car accident attorney in Tulsa, you can level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.

When you work with the team at Brewster & De Angelis, you can have confidence knowing that our experienced attorneys will advocate for you and your rights throughout the entire process. We will handle everything, from gathering evidence to working with industry experts to communicating with the insurance company on your behalf. Once a lawyer gets involved, insurance companies are much more likely to fairly settle claims rather than go to court. However, if necessary, our Tulsa car accident lawyers are fully prepared to fight for your fair recovery at trial.

Contact Our Tulsa Car Accident Lawyer Today

Since 1983, Brewster & De Angelis has been helping injured auto accident victims and the families of those wrongfully killed seek the justice and fair compensation they were owed. We have helped catastrophically injured clients successfully secure settlements and verdicts that provided for their current and future needs, and we know how to help you navigate the recovery process.

Call (918) 265-1214 or contact us online for a free consultation with our Tulsa car accident attorney. There are no fees for you unless/until we win your case.