What to Do if Your Loved One Has Been Injured in an Accident
Accidents are difficult not only for the injured person, but for their friends and family as well. No one wants to see their loved ones suffer. If your friend or family member has been injured, you naturally want to do everything you can to help, but in the chaos after an accident, it can be difficult to know how to help. Experienced attorneys in Ponca City Oklahoma can guide you and your loved one through this difficult time.
Help Them Get to The Hospital
The first priority is to get medical attention. If your loved one has been injured in an accident, you need to stress the importance of taking them to go see a doctor immediately. Do not wait to see if the injury will go away. Many injuries do not heal on their own and may get worse over time. There are many injuries that may not be obvious till later. This is why it is imperative to get medical attention right away.
Contact the Insurance Provider
Someone with serious injuries may not be able to function properly or even think clearly while under medication. If your loved one is unable to, you may need to contact the insurance provider for them. If you have access to their insurance information, let the insurance provider know about the accident.
Get Legal Representation Right Away
Insurance adjusters will try to give you a settlement and convince you to settle the claim quickly. They can be tricky to deal with, as the settlement is usually much less than your loved one deserves. These adjusters may also try to use anything you say against you. This is why it is always best to let a skilled attorney handle them. A Ponca City injury attorney will know how to negotiate with the insurance companies to defend the rights of your loved one and get the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Help Them Gather and Keep Track of Documents
Another thing you can do to help is with gathering and organizing the important documents keeping track of expenses. It is important to keep track of all medical bills, lost wages, accident reports, and any pictures or other information regarding the accident. All of this is important to your claim.
Why You Should Call an Accident Attorney in Kay County
Serving throughout Oklahoma and Kansas, Loftis Law Firm can help you through the aftermath of the accident. With everything involved, let us handle the legal aspects of the claim, so you can focus on being there for your loved one at this time when they need you the most. Contact an accident attorney in Kay County for a free consultation.
A DUI or DWI is no small matter. And many people get these two terms mixed up, or use them interchangeably. They are in fact very different and each state may have specific laws regarding these offenses. This is why it is important to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney in Ponca City who will be knowledgeable in the laws of your specific state.
DUI
Driving under the Influence or a DUI, is charged when a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.8% or more. The penalty for a first time conviction can be up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. As second offence in Oklahoma, is even more strict and can result in 1- 5 years in in prison including fines up to $2,500, and the penalty of a third offence can be up to 10 years in prison with a fine of up to $5,000. On top of all of this, you can also lose your driving privileges. Your Ponca City criminal defense attorney can help you defend your rights and fight to help you retain your driving privileges.
DWI
Driving while impaired (DWI), is a lesser offence, and this is charged when the driver has a BAC of between 0.5 and 0.7. You can be considered as driving while impaired if you are operating a vehicle while impaired by the consumption of drugs or alcohol. DWI convictions in Oklahoma are considered misdemeanors and can result in up to six months of jail time with a maximum fee of $500. This may also include a license suspension for 30 days up to 12 months depending on how many DWI charges you have had previously.
Why Do You Need an Attorney?
There are many ways an attorney can help you if you are facing DUI or DWI charges. Your Ponca City criminal defense attorney will go through your case and make sure your rights are defended. The officer must have a valid reason to have pulled you over in the first place and if there was not a good enough reason then the case could be thrown out. Even if this is not the case, a skilled attorney can help you retain your driving privileges and reduce charges.
Contact the Loftis Law Firm
Proudly serving throughout Oklahoma and Kansas, our firm is here for you. Contact us today to set up a free consultation. Do not hesitate to call a skilled criminal defense attorney in Ponca City and get professional defense for your case.
How Do I Know That I am in an Insurance Dispute?
The minute you and your insurance company do not agree on how to process your claim or how much they want to pay you, you are in dispute. Usually, an insurance dispute in Oklahoma happens very quietly, without anger, so the moment is often missed. If you feel like something is wrong with your claim or the settlement they want to give you, you should contact an attorney right away.
How Do I Know if I am Getting a Fair Settlement?
Insurance companies offer you a payout amount based on “the information provided” and may attempt to give you an offer that is much lower than you deserve. If this is the first offer they have come back with or claim this is your only option, you may not be getting a fair settlement.
It Almost Feels Like I’m Being Pressured to Take Their Offer Quickly. Is This Normal?
Most likely, you are being pressured, and yes, it is normal, but it shouldn’t be. The insurance company’s bottom line is to settle your claim as fast and as cheaply as possible. They will say things like, “This is typical,” or “This is how it is done in this state because of your circumstances,” and other similar sayings. These statements are not always true. This is why you should always get the professional opinion of an attorney.
I Thought Insurance Companies Were Supposed to Help People. Why Are They Giving Me a Hard Time?
When an insurance company does not return your calls, claims they do not have the information you sent them, claims you did not respond promptly even though you can prove you did, and offers well below what recovery is costing you, it is called “acting in bad faith.” The only proper way to make them stop this behavior is to get an Oklahoma insurance dispute attorney involved.
Do Need an Attorney for my Insurance Dispute in Oklahoma?
To get a genuinely fair settlement, you will need to get an attorney involved. A qualified attorney will deal with the insurance company on your behalf, handle much of the paperwork gathering process, court filings, and other matters to ensure you are properly represented.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another person than you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other accident related expenditures.
Hiring a lawyer can be advantageous since they are familiar with how insurance companies think and function. The following are some of the main benefits of hiring an Ponca City injury attorney:
Dealing with Insurance Companies
A personal injury can cause physical and emotional pain. Not only are injuries costly, but insurance companies may also try to take advantage and give you a lower offer than what you deserve. A personal injury attorney in Ponca City will know how to handle the insurance companies and make sure you receive a fair settlement.
Assisting You with Your Medical Needs
If you call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, they can help you get the care you need.
Knowledgeable attorneys will already be familiar with professional doctors who can assist you with your injuries and optimize the value of your injury claim. If the case gets to trial, doctors can also be called as witnesses to present the facts about your injuries.
Litigation Support and Representation
Going to court, no matter how good your injury claim is, can add to the stress, especially if the other party has a skilled lawyer, and you do not. It is important to get professional help when dealing with litigation. A Ponca city personal injury attorney will represent you in court, defend your case and protect your rights.
Employing a Ponca City injury attorney from Loftis Law Firm, eliminates the risk of accepting a lower settlement and ensuring that you will win in court if the matter gets to trial. Your attorney will know what your case is worth and have the experience to help and advise you on the best ways to move forward.