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First, if you have been injured, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.  Call 911 so that first responders can get to the scene as quickly as possible.

If you have been in a car wreck and only if it is safe and you are able, it is important to take photos of the scene, the cars, and your injuries from as many angles as possible.  

You should also talk to the police about filing a police report.  This can be valuable evidence to support your claim later on.  It is also very helpful if you are able to speak with witnesses at the scene and get their contact information.

If you are involved in a case of a slip, trip, or fall or other accident as a result of someone else's negligence, take photos of what caused your injury.  This could be the slippery floor, falling merchandise, etc.  It is also important to take photos of your injuries. 

It is important to keep in mind that any statements made at the scene will be used against you by the insurance companies.

Keep records of everything related to your accident, including your medical records, receipts related to out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, as well as any conversations with the at fault party or employees of the at fault party, 

Every single case is different and settlements  vary.  

You’re entitled to seek compensation for the expenses related to your injuries, such as: 

• Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, doctor visits, chiropractic visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy;
• Lost wages for time missed from work.  This can include paid time off or sick time used for medical appointments or hospitalization;
• Potential future wages, if the injury affects your ability to work in the future;
• Mental anguish/emotional distress;
• Pain and suffering. 

 In a car wreck, you are also entitled to seek compensation for property damage.  

This can include fair market value for your vehicle if it is a total loss, costs of repairs to your vehicle, compensation for diminished value of your vehicle, reimbursement for a rental car, cost of replacing car seats or other damage items in your vehicle, etc. 

Courts must approve settlements of minors when the amount is over $1,000.00.

Oklahoma Law provides that money recovered in any court proceeding  for someone under the age of 18, that is in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) after expenses, medical bills, and attorney’s fees are paid,  shall be deposited in one or more federally insured banking, credit union or savings and loan institutions, a trust established for the person approved by the court, or invested by a bank or trust company having trust powers under federal or state law.

The Court can also authorize all or a portion of the money to be deposited in an account pursuant to the Oklahoma College Savings Plan Act, with the minor designated as beneficiary of the account. 

The process for resolving a minors' settlement is done through what is called a "Friendly Suit".  A lawsuit is filed in the district court of the county where the child resides or where the case takes place. A friendly suit is a lawsuit where everyone is already in agreement but are jointly seeking court approval.  The Court will then set a hearing date.

Navigating the legal system on your own after a car accident can be extremely stressful.  There are many different situations that may arise following your accident.  For example, the other driver could be uninsured or not accepting fault, you could be facing pressure from the insurance company to settle your claim...the list goes on.

There are damages you may be entitled to in addition to your medical costs, such as property damage, pain and suffering, loss of income and/or earning capacity, mental anguish/emotional distress, loss of opportunity, and loss of consortium.

If you have been seriously injured in a car wreck, it is important to have an attorney on your side to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

We understand the stress that comes following a serious injury and not being able to work while seeking medical treatment.  

Because of this, Manning Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay unless a recovery is made for you. Our fee will be taken as a percentage of your total financial recovery.

Usually within a few days of your accident, you will be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the at fault party. 

You are not obligated to speak with them and it’s in your best interest to not sign anything they may send to you.  No matter how nice they may seem, they are not your friend. 

If you are seriously considering hiring an attorney, it is in your best interest to not answer any questions they ask.