Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Broken Arrow

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma?

  The Broken Arrow Police can be reached at (918) 259-8400 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma?

  You can request a copy of a police report in person or by mail.

  In-Person – Visit the Broken Arrow Police Department (BAPD) Records Unit at 1101 N. 6th Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. It is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please bring a completed Open Records Request Form and your photo ID.

  By Mail – Send a completed Open Records Request Form along with a money order or check for the fee, and a stamped and self-addressed envelope to BAPD Records Department 1101 N. 6th Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.

  Download the Open Records Request Form here: https://www.brokenarrowok.gov/government/police/divisions/support/records

  For assistance, call (918) 451-8302.

• Should you file your personal injury claims through the small claims court in Broken Arrow, OK?

  If your claim’s value is $10,000 or less, filing it with Broken Arrow’s small claims court may provide you with a cheaper and quicker resolution. Cases filed with the small claims court are required to be heard by a judge within only 60 days from filing versus regular court trials that may take years. A local personal injury lawyer can help decide if going through the small claims court is advantageous for your case.

• When should you file your personal injury case in Broken Arrow, OK?

  The Oklahoma Code Title 12 Chapter 3 Section 95 stipulates that personal injury actions must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. If you are filing a claim against a city, state, or county government entity in Broken Arrow, you only have one year. If you don’t file within the required time limit, you may be barred from claiming compensation for your injuries.

• How does shared fault affect your personal injury case in Broken Arrow, OK?

  If more than one person is at fault in a Broken Arrow personal injury case, the modified comparative fault rule will be used. Under this rule, a fault percentage is assigned to each at-fault party. Each party’s compensation will be minimized in proportion to their fault percentage. If you were 10% at fault, your compensation of $10,000 will be minimized to $9,000. If your fault percentage is 50% and up, you will not get any compensation.

• Is there a limit to how much you can claim in your personal injury case in Broken Arrow, OK?

  No. There are no caps to the economic and non-economic damages you can claim and be awarded in your Broken Arrow personal injury case. Your actual economic damages should be compensated as long as supported by evidence like receipts. The Oklahoma Supreme Court also had a ruling in 2019 that removed the cap for non-economic damages like pain and suffering in personal injury cases.

• What if you can’t afford a personal injury lawyer in Broken Arrow, OK?

  Most personal injury lawyers in Broken Arrow offer a contingency fee agreement, so you won't have to pay upfront. In this agreement, the lawyer only gets paid if they secure a settlement or verdict award for you. Their fees will be collected from your compensation at an agreed percentage. According to Oklahoma Code Title 5 Section 7, the percentage lawyers can collect in a contingency fee agreement is limited to 50% of the client’s proceeds. Typically, lawyers ask for 33%.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.