Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Edmond

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Edmond Police Department is 405-359-4338.

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

  You may request a copy of an Edmond police report at https://eforms.edmondok.com/lincdoc/doc/run/edmond/Clerk_Open_Records.

• What can you do if you can’t pay an Edmond personal injury lawyer out of pocket?

  Don’t stop yourself from pursuing compensation out of worry that you can’t afford to hire a personal injury lawyer in Edmond. Many injury attorneys in the city take cases on a contingency fee basis. This mean they will only charge you if they successfully secure you monetary compensation, from which they will take an agreed-upon percentage as their fee. Under this arrangement, if they lose your case, then you don’t owe them anything.

• What should you bring on your first consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Edmond?

  As much as possible, you would want your personal injury attorney in Edmond to have a thorough understanding of your accident and claim, so make sure to bring all the important documents you have on hand to help your lawyer build your case. These may include the official police report, medical records, photos and videos of the scene of the accident, medical bills, receipts, and any letters or correspondence from insurance companies.

• Will your personal injury case in Edmond go to trial?

  Not necessarily. Your lawyer will most likely start by negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company to help you secure a full and fair settlement amount that will take care of your needs and expenses. Many personal injury cases are resolved this way. But if the insurer is not being cooperative or proves to be incapable of providing adequate compensation, your lawyer might encourage you to take your case to trial.

• Are punitive damages awarded in Edmond personal injury cases?

  Yes, but rarely. Unlike compensatory damages that are meant to cover the needs of the victim for recovery and life after the accident, punitive damages are awarded in Edmond to punish the at-fault party for their grossly negligent behavior by making them pay a sum of money out-of-pocket. This category of damages is received by the victim in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Edmond?

  You generally have two years from the date when you sustained your injuries to bring a personal injury lawsuit in Edmond. While this legal deadline, also called the statute of limitations, may be shortened or extended, it would be best to seek the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately. If you fail to take legal action within the allowed time, you may be barred from collecting any compensation.

• 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.