Practice Area FAQs

We have over 40 years of experience covering a wide range of cases. Here you’ll find answers to our most common questions related to each area of our most common cases.

Click one of the links below to jump to that set of questions.

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Car Crash Questions

rear-end car crash involving 2 cars
What happens if you crash your car?

Car crashes often end with damaged vehicles and injured drivers and passengers. In any such cases, be prepared to deal with the other parties’ insurance companies—and possibly their lawyers.

No matter who was at fault, you don’t want to deal with these people alone. You need a lawyer on your side who can make sure you’re acting in your own best interests.

What do you do if you’re in a car crash?

After any crash, your first priority is the safety of everyone involved. Immediately call 911 and alert them of any injuries or potential hazards (e.g., leaking gasoline or downed power lines).

Read more about the Dos and Don’ts after getting into a car crash in our blog.

How much money do you get from a car crash?

It’s hard to put a dollar amount on potential damages awarded in a car crash case. It depends entirely on the situation and severity of the injuries. There are 3 types of damages:

  • Economic damages: awarded as a direct result of financial loss, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
  • Non-economic damages: includes non-financial hardships like mental distress, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship, reputation or enjoyment of life.
  • Punitive damages: includes penalties or fines awarded to the defendant on top of the above damages. These are reserved for particularly egregious or reckless offenses.

Again, any damages awarded are entirely dependent on several different factors. At Lloyd & Lloyd, we take great care to walk you through the process and fight for what’s rightfully yours. If you have questions about whether you even have a valid lawsuit, we offer free consultations as well.

What do you do if you get in a crash with a semi truck?

As with all crashes, first make sure everyone’s safe and immediately call 911. A crash with a semi is much more likely to result in serious injury or at least a totaled vehicle.

When you exchange information with the truck driver, make sure you get their name, the name of their superior, and the contact information for the appropriate party or department that deals with traffic incidents.

What is failure to maintain lane?

Failure to maintain lane is when a driver swerves in and out of lanes, drifts between lanes, or recklessly changes lanes without properly signalling. If any of these behaviors lead to a wreck, the driver can get a charged with failure to maintain lane on top of any other traffic offenses.

Who is at fault in a lane-change crash?

In almost all cases, the party who changes lanes or fails to stay within their lane is responsible for any crashes caused. The party who’s traveling straight in their own lane has right of way in that lane.

Read more about lane-change crashes in Oklahoma in our blog post.

Who is at fault in a left-turn crash?

Again, in almost all cases, the party who turns left across oncoming traffic is at fault for any crash caused. The only exception would be if the oncoming traffic were running a red light or stop sign while the left-turning party had right of way.

Learn more about left-turn crashes in Oklahoma in our blog post.

When should I contact an attorney after a car crash?

It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and you don’t accept a low settlement from the insurance company.

How is fault determined?

Fault is determined based on evidence such as police reports, traffic laws, witness statements, and any available video footage from the scene.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

You may still recover damages by filing a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing legal action directly against the at-fault driver.

What types of compensation can I seek after a car accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Personal Injury Questions

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Is it worth getting a personal injury lawyer?

The legal system is complicated, to say the very least. You absolutely need a lawyer to navigate any personal injury case—even to see if you have a case to begin with. In most cases, the damages awarded more than make up for the cost of a good lawyer.

Lloyd & Lloyd provides free consultations for any case. Contact us today to set up an appointment and see what we can do for you.

What kind of cases do personal injury lawyers handle?

Lloyd & Lloyd handles all kinds of personal injury cases that can result from any of these incidents:

  • Traffic wrecks involving cars, semi-trucks, motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians
  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Work-related accidents and worker’s compensation
  • Medical malpractice and wrongful death
  • Nursing home abuse and elder abuse
  • Product liability
  • Dog bites
What qualifies as a personal injury case?

A personal injury case must answer 3 questions:

  • Was the incident and injury caused by negligence?
  • Is another party at fault, and is the incident within the statute of limitations?
  • Did you suffer financial loss or emotional hardship as a result of the injury?

If you can answer “yes” to all 3 questions, chances are you have a viable personal injury case and could be entitled to damages.

For help answering these questions, contact Lloyd & Lloyd today for a free consultation.

For more information about personal injury cases, check out this blog.

Can you get money for pain and suffering or emotional distress?
Yes. Pain & suffering, emotional distress and loss of companionship, reputation or enjoyment of life are all considered non-economic losses. You can be financially compensated for experiencing any of these undue hardships.
How long do I have to seek medical treatment after a car accident?

In Oklahoma, you have 2 years from the date of car crash to file a lawsuit.

Do I need to see a doctor even if I feel fine after an accident?

Yes, injuries like whiplash or internal damage may not show symptoms right away. A doctor’s evaluation can detect hidden injuries and strengthen your legal claim.

What if I have pre-existing conditions? Can I still file a claim?

Yes, you can file a claim if the accident aggravated your pre-existing condition. Documenting your medical history is crucial to proving this.

How do I prove the extent of my injuries?

You’ll need medical records, doctor’s notes, treatment plans, and possibly testimony from medical experts to show the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Insurance Dispute Questions

Man filling out insurance form at scene of a car crash needs personal injury attorney
What’s an insurance dispute?

An insurance dispute arises any time an insurance company and an individual policy holder don’t agree on the terms of an insurance settlement. Insurance disputes can take place between the insurance company and its own policy holder, or between an individual and the insurance company of another party in any type of incident requiring insurance.

Take this textbook scenario for example:

You’re in a serious wreck with someone; it’s not your fault, your car is totaled and you need expensive surgery. The other party’s insurance company says you’re somehow partly at fault, and they’ll only agree to pay you a portion of the costs for the totaled car and medical expenses.

At this point, you can dispute the settlement offer and enter into a protracted battle against the insurance giant’s army of assessors, claims adjusters, and lawyers. You do not want to do this alone.

What can you do when an insurance company refuses to pay?

Insurance companies are notoriously tight with their money. They wear down policy holders and claimants with legal nonsense and underhanded tactics in an effort to minimize their out-of-pocket costs.

In these cases, you need an attorney who can fight the insurance company for you. Don’t let insurance companies bully you into accepting less than what you’re justly owed.

Do you need a lawyer for an insurance dispute?

Technically no, but having an attorney deal with an insurance dispute will make the process so much easier on you—and will probably result in a higher payout to you.

Even after you account for your attorney’s fees, you’ll still net a higher amount with an attorney than you will without one.

For more information about how insurance companies try to trick you, check out this blog.

Why do insurance companies lowball?

Because they’re greedy, and no amount of money in the world can sate them. It’s also because they know you as the claimant probably need the money sooner than later, and thus they can pressure you into accepting something lower now over something more later.

What happens if I accept a settlement offer?

DO NOT accept any settlement offer without first consulting an attorney. If you accept a settlement, it could A) be for much less than you are entitled to and B) prevent you from filing any further claims or lawsuits stemming from the incident.

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How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 2 years from the date of the accident, or 2 years from the date of death if the party is deceased, so it’s important to act promptly.

What is PIP insurance, and how does it affect my claim?

PIP insurance covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, if your injuries exceed this amount, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver.

Will my case go to court, or can it be settled?

Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial.

What if the insurance company offers me a settlement? Should I accept it?

Insurance companies often offer low settlements to close cases quickly. Consult an attorney to evaluate the offer and determine if it’s fair before accepting.

Nursing Home & Elder Abuse Questions

Elder man in wheelchair depressed about elder abuse and nursing home abuse
When can you sue a nursing home for negligence or abuse?

Despite promises by nursing homes to care proper care of its residents, family members might notice indications of a deterioration in care. The nursing home might not be answering a call light quickly enough. The nursing home staff might not be keeping a resident clean, or they might be letting a resident stay in the same position in bed for too long, resulting in skin ulcers.

What can seem at the time like minor lapses of care can be indications of something far more serious. There could be an issue with understaffing, or the nursing home management might not have properly trained the nurses and staff to plan and care for each resident professionally and adequately. Few people are as helpless as those confined to live in a nursing home.

If the nursing home does not have adequate staff, the residents will suffer with the following:

What is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse occurs when a resident is intentionally harmed or neglected by caregivers or staff. It can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as neglect, where basic care needs are not met.

What can I do if I think my loved one is being abused or neglected?

The first thing you should do is talk to your loved one. However, be aware that sometimes abuse victims deny the abuse for fear of the repercussions from the abuser.

If you still have concerns after talking to your loved one, refer to these resources and contact the proper authorities:

Still have questions about nursing home and elder abuse?

We have a specialized practice for nursing home and elder abuse cases: OK Elder Care.

There you can find more information on elder abuse and neglect, as well as resources for you and your loved one.

OK Elder Care is a part of Lloyd & Lloyd with the same great attorneys, so you can trust to handle any case and get results.

What are the common signs of nursing home abuse?

Common signs include unexplained injuries, emotional withdrawal, sudden changes in behavior, poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, or unusual financial transactions.

Who is at risk of nursing home abuse?

Residents who are physically or cognitively impaired, isolated, or dependent on staff for care are more vulnerable to abuse or neglect.

What is the difference between abuse and neglect in nursing homes?

Abuse involves intentional harm to a resident, such as hitting or verbal insults, while neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide adequate care, resulting in harm.

What evidence is needed to prove nursing home abuse?

Evidence includes medical records, photos of injuries, witness statements, staff documentation, and expert evaluations.

How long do I have to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Oklahoma?

Typically, you have 2 years from the date of the abuse or injury to file a claim, but consult an attorney to confirm deadlines in your case.

Who can be held responsible for nursing home abuse?

Responsibility may fall on individual staff members, facility administrators, or the parent company of the nursing home.

What types of compensation can I seek for nursing home abuse?

You may seek damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, relocation expenses, and in some cases, punitive damages.

What rights do nursing home residents have?

Residents have the right to safe and respectful care, freedom from abuse, and access to their medical and financial records under state and federal laws.

How can families help prevent nursing home abuse?

Families can help by choosing reputable facilities, visiting frequently, monitoring care, and addressing concerns immediately with staff or administrators.

Can a resident be moved to another facility if abuse is suspected?

Yes, you can transfer your loved one to another facility while reporting the abuse and seeking legal assistance to address the situation.

What are the responsibilities of nursing homes to protect residents?

Nursing homes are required to provide proper care, maintain a safe environment, and comply with state and federal regulations to prevent abuse and neglect.

Miscelaneous Law Questions

smiling woman lawyer sitting on desk with arms crossed
What if the accident involved a rideshare vehicle (Uber/Lyft)?

Rideshare companies have insurance policies for accidents involving their drivers, but navigating these claims can be complex. An attorney can help identify the responsible party and pursue compensation.

Can I file a claim if the accident happened on private property?

Yes, you can file a claim, but additional factors, such as the property owner’s liability, may come into play. An attorney can help clarify your options.

What should I do if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident?

Report the hit-and-run to the police immediately. Provide any details about the vehicle or driver, and consult an attorney to explore options for compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence laws, you can recover damages reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Whatever your situation is, Lloyd & Lloyd has decades of experience helping our clients with personal injury cases of all kinds, and we get results.

We offer free consultations to see if you have a viable claim and what your options are.

Get started by contacting us here or calling us at 918-246-0200.

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