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What Kind of Lawyer Do You Need for a Car Accident?

Getting hit by another driver turns your world upside down in seconds. One moment you’re driving to work or picking up groceries, the next you’re dealing with insurance adjusters, medical bills, and a car that might be totaled. The question everyone asks is whether they need a lawyer, and if so, what kind.

The answer isn’t always obvious. Motor vehicle accident cases can range from straightforward fender-benders to complex multi-vehicle crashes involving serious injuries, and the type of legal help you need depends entirely on your specific situation.

Personal Injury Lawyers Handle Most Car Accidents

When people think about car accident lawyers, they’re typically thinking about personal injury attorneys. These lawyers focus on helping injured people recover compensation from the parties who caused their harm.

Personal injury lawyers handle the most common types of car accident cases. Rear-end collisions on I-35 during rush hour. T-bone crashes at busy Oklahoma City intersections like NW 23rd and Penn. Highway accidents on I-40 where someone was following too closely or texting while driving.

But here’s what many people don’t realize: not every car accident requires a personal injury lawyer. If you walked away from a minor fender-bender with no injuries and minimal property damage, you might be able to handle the insurance claim yourself. The challenge is knowing when your case crosses the line from simple to complex.

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize what they pay out. They’re particularly aggressive when they think you don’t have legal representation. That friendly adjuster who calls you the day after your accident? They’re not calling because they care about your wellbeing.

When Property Damage Gets Complicated

Sometimes the biggest issue isn’t your injuries, it’s your car. Oklahoma sees plenty of severe weather that can complicate accident scenes. A crash during an ice storm might involve multiple vehicles, or flooding might affect the accident scene investigation.

Property damage lawyers typically handle cases where the value of damaged vehicles or other property is substantial, or where there are disputes about who’s responsible for the damage. These cases might overlap with personal injury claims, but sometimes property damage is the primary concern.

Consider a scenario where your classic car gets totaled by someone running a red light. The other driver’s insurance company wants to pay you the standard book value, but your car was worth significantly more due to restoration work and rare parts. That’s when property damage expertise becomes crucial.

Insurance companies often push for quick settlements on property damage claims, hoping you’ll accept their first offer before you understand the true value of what you’ve lost.

Criminal Defense When You’re Facing Charges

About those situations where you might be the one facing criminal charges… Car accidents sometimes result in criminal cases, especially when alcohol, drugs, or reckless driving are involved. If you’re facing DUI charges, vehicular manslaughter, or other criminal charges related to a car accident, you need a criminal defense attorney, not a personal injury lawyer.

Oklahoma takes driving under the influence seriously. A DUI conviction can result in license suspension, jail time, and significant fines. If someone was injured or killed in an accident where you’re accused of impaired driving, the stakes become much higher.

Criminal defense attorneys understand the procedural requirements, evidence rules, and potential defenses that apply in criminal cases. They know how to challenge field sobriety tests, question breathalyzer results, and negotiate with prosecutors.

This gets complicated when you’re both facing criminal charges and being sued in civil court. The same accident can result in both criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit, and statements you make in one case can potentially be used against you in the other.

Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers

Sometimes the problem isn’t the other driver or even the accident itself. Sometimes your own insurance company becomes the problem.

Insurance bad faith occurs when your insurance company fails to handle your claim fairly and in good faith. This might mean denying a valid claim without proper investigation, delaying payment unreasonably, or offering settlements that are far below what your claim is actually worth.

Oklahoma law requires insurance companies to handle claims in good faith, but they don’t always follow these requirements. When they don’t, you might need a lawyer who specializes in insurance bad faith cases.

These cases require different expertise than typical personal injury cases. Bad faith lawyers understand insurance regulations, company practices, and the specific legal standards that apply when insurance companies misbehave.

Product Liability When Vehicle Defects Cause Accidents

Not every car accident is caused by driver error. Sometimes defective vehicles or vehicle parts contribute to accidents or make injuries worse than they should have been.

Defective brakes that fail at a critical moment. Airbags that don’t deploy or deploy improperly. Tires that blow out due to manufacturing defects. Steering systems that fail unexpectedly.

Product liability lawyers handle cases where defective products cause or contribute to injuries. These cases often involve complex technical evidence, expert witnesses, and extensive investigation into manufacturing processes and safety testing.

The challenge with product liability cases is that they typically require significant resources to pursue effectively. Manufacturers have teams of lawyers and expert witnesses defending these cases, so you need legal representation with the experience and resources to match.

Wrongful Death Attorneys

When car accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members may need to pursue wrongful death claims. These cases involve different legal standards, different types of damages, and different procedural requirements than typical personal injury cases.

Wrongful death lawyers understand the specific requirements for these claims, including who can file them, what types of damages are available, and how to value the life of someone who died in an accident.

These cases are emotionally difficult for families who are grieving while also dealing with complex legal issues. Wrongful death attorneys typically have experience helping families navigate both the legal and emotional challenges of these cases.

How to Choose the Right Lawyer

The type of lawyer you need depends on the specific circumstances of your accident and the problems you’re facing afterward. Early consultation can prevent problems and preserve your options down the road.

If you’ve been in a car accident, talk to Farha Law, PLLC. We’ll review what happened, explain your options, and help you decide the next best step. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.

Do Rideshare Companies Pay for Accident Injuries?

Rideshare accidents can not only leave you facing lasting injuries and significant medical bills, but also a lot of complicated legal questions. Victims often wonder whether the driver bears full responsibility for their injuries or if companies like Uber or Lyft might be liable.

Liability and insurance coverage in these accidents depend on several factors, including the driver’s status at the time of the accident. This quick guide from Farha Law, PLLC, explains how liability works in a rideshare accident, what to do after one, and what a skilled Oklahoma car accident attorney can do for you.

Who Might Be Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Several parties can share liability in a rideshare accident, including:

The Rideshare Driver: If the driver was distracted, impaired, fatigued, speeding, or otherwise negligent, they may bear responsibility for the accident.
Other Drivers: If another motorist acted negligently and caused or contributed to the crash, they can share liability.
Rideshare Companies: While rare, companies may face liability if they fail to properly vet drivers or maintain safety standards.
Vehicle Manufacturers: Occasionally, defects in the vehicle may contribute to the accident, creating additional avenues for compensation.

What Insurance Coverage Applies in a Rideshare Accident?

The insurance policy that applies to a rideshare accident depends on whether the driver was offline, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively driving a passenger when the collision occurred. The four different scenarios include:

The Driver is Offline: When the driver is offline and not using the app, compensation for injuries and property damage typically comes from their personal auto insurance policy.
The Driver is Online and Waiting for a Passenger: If the driver is logged onto the app but hasn’t accepted a ride, the rideshare company may provide limited liability coverage when the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.
The Driver is En Route to a Passenger: If the accident occurs while the driver is headed to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s full commercial liability policy typically applies.
A Passenger is in the Vehicle: If the driver has a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident, compensation typically comes from the rideshare company’s full commercial liability policy.

What To Do After a Rideshare Accident

Acting quickly after a rideshare accident can protect both your safety and your legal rights. Be sure to:

Seek prompt medical attention.
Call 911 and report the accident to the police.
Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
Gather witness names and contact information.
Keep an organized file of all medical and financial records.
Contact an experienced car accident attorney right away.

Insurers may reach out requesting recorded statements or offering lowball settlements. These are attempts to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Never admit fault, never accept quick settlements, don’t agree to make any recorded statements, and refer them to your lawyer whenever possible.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

A skilled car accident attorney will guide you through every step of the legal process and protect your rights. Your attorney can help by:

Reviewing your case for free
Investigating the accident and identifying all liable parties
Determining which insurance policy applies
Gathering evidence to build a compelling claim
Calculating for maximum compensation
Negotiating for a fair settlement
Representing you in court, if necessary

Contact an Oklahoma Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a rideshare accident in Oklahoma, you need an experienced attorney to protect your rights. The team at Farha Law, PLLC, will fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact our law firm today for your free consultation.

How Does Uber and Lyft Insurance Work?

Getting into an accident involving a rideshare vehicle can leave you with many questions. Who pays for your medical bills? Which insurance company should you contact? Understanding how rideshare insurance works can help you protect your rights after a collision. A car accident lawyer from Farha Law, PLLC, can help.

What Insurance Coverage Do Rideshare Drivers Need?

Every Uber and Lyft driver must carry their own personal auto insurance that meets Oklahoma’s minimum requirements. Oklahoma law requires all drivers to maintain liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for multiple injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.

However, personal auto insurance alone isn’t enough when drivers work for rideshare companies. Most individual policies exclude coverage during commercial activities, which creates a potential gap in protection. For this reason, Uber and Lyft provide additional insurance coverage that activates at different stages of each trip.

How Does Coverage Change During Different Phases of a Trip?

Rideshare insurance operates in three distinct phases. The amount of coverage varies depending on which phase applies.

Phase 1: Driver is online but waiting for a ride request: Both companies provide contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. (However, this coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.)
Phase 2: Driver accepts a ride and travels to pick up the passenger: Coverage increases to $1 million in liability protection, plus uninsured motorist coverage and comprehensive collision coverage if the driver carries these on their personal policy.
Phase 3: Passenger is in the vehicle: The same $1 million coverage continues until the passenger exits at their destination. This coverage protects passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and property owners who might suffer harm in an accident.

What Happens If Another Driver Causes the Accident?

When an uninsured or underinsured motorist causes a collision with a rideshare vehicle, both Uber and Lyft provide additional protection. Their policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to help pay for medical treatment and other losses when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.

This coverage protects both the rideshare driver and any passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The coverage amounts vary based on which phase of the trip was active when the collision occurred.

Why Can Filing a Claim Be So Complicated?

Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple insurance companies, each with different coverage limits and requirements. You might need to deal with the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and potentially another driver’s insurance company as well.

Determining which policy applies requires understanding precisely when the accident occurred, as well as what the driver was doing at that moment. Claims can become more challenging when insurance companies dispute whether the driver was logged into the app, whether they had accepted a ride request, or whether a passenger was present. These details directly affect which coverage applies and how much compensation might be available.

When Should You Contact an Attorney?

After suffering injuries in a rideshare accident, you deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses you’ve experienced. However, the path to justice is rarely straightforward—especially for those who are not thoroughly familiar with the ins and outs of insurance law.

The team at Farha Law, PLLC, understands how complicated and confusing rideshare insurance claims can be, and we can pursue the full compensation you deserve. We will handle negotiations with insurance companies while you focus on your recovery. Our Oklahoma City attorneys can investigate your case, determine all available insurance coverage, and fight for your rights throughout the claims process. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced rideshare accident attorney.

The Unexpected Costs of a Truck Accident in Oklahoma

When a massive commercial truck collides with another vehicle, the impact of the crash is only the first in a long series of unexpected occurrences. Here’s what you need to know after sustaining injuries in a truck crash in Oklahoma.

What Medical Expenses Might You Face After the Crash?

The medical bills following a truck accident can quickly become overwhelming. Emergency room visits are just the start of your healthcare journey. Many victims require extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and months of physical therapy to regain mobility and function.

Some injuries demand specialized care that standard health insurance may not fully cover. You might need medical equipment for your home, modifications to your vehicle, or ongoing pain management treatment. If your injuries prevent you from working, you’ll also lose the income you depend on to support yourself and your family. These increasing medical costs can drain savings accounts and create debt that takes years to overcome.

How Do Property Losses Add Up?

Your vehicle might be totaled or require extensive repairs that exceed its actual value. However, the damage often goes beyond your car. Personal belongings inside your vehicle—laptops, phones, work equipment, or sentimental items—may be destroyed in the collision.

If the accident occurred near your home or business, property damage could extend to fences, landscaping, or structures. Rental car fees accumulate while you wait for your vehicle to be repaired or replaced. These property-related expenses create an immediate financial strain that compounds your other losses.

What Are the Long-Term Financial Consequences?

Many truck accident victims face reduced earning capacity that affects their financial security for years. Some people cannot return to physically demanding jobs. Others must accept lower-paying positions that accommodate their limitations. Even if you can go back to the work you were doing before, career advancement opportunities may disappear as you focus on recovery rather than professional development.

The psychological toll of an accident also carries financial weight. Therapy and counseling sessions help you process trauma, but these services require ongoing payment. Some victims develop anxiety about driving or experience post-traumatic stress that requires long-term treatment. The emotional recovery process deserves the same attention and resources as physical healing.

How Does the Accident Affect Your Daily Life?

Beyond the obvious costs, truck accidents disrupt daily routines in expensive ways. You might need to hire help for household tasks you previously handled yourself—yard work, cleaning, grocery shopping, or childcare. Transportation to medical appointments, therapy sessions, and follow-up visits adds up quickly, especially if you cannot drive yourself.

Family members often take time off work to care for injured loved ones, creating additional lost income. The ripple effects touch every aspect of your household budget and financial planning.

Why Should You Seek Legal Help?

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by focusing only on obvious expenses while ignoring the full scope of your losses. They may pressure you to accept a quick settlement before you understand the actual cost of your injuries. Without proper legal representation, you might miss compensation for expenses you haven’t even encountered yet.

An experienced attorney can identify all the costs associated with your accident—both immediate and future. They will work to secure compensation that accounts for your complete recovery needs, not just the bills you’ve received so far.

At Farha Law, PLLC, we understand the complex challenges Oklahoma truck accident victims encounter. Our team will fight for fair compensation for all your losses—including those you might not be expecting. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case with a skilled truck accident lawyer and learn how we can help you move forward.

What You Need to Know If You Are Injured in a Ride Share Accident

If you were injured in a ride share accident in Oklahoma, you’ll understandably want to know who could be liable for your injuries, how your insurance claim will work, and the steps to take to protect your rights. Ride share accident cases are often more complex than traditional car accident cases, so it’s also important to work with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process.

Who Could Be Liable for Your Oklahoma Ride Share Accident Injuries?

Depending on how the ride share accident occurred, several parties could be liable for your injuries. The parties most commonly found liable include:

The driver of the ride share vehicle
The ride share company
Other motorists who contributed to the accident
Vehicle manufacturers, if a product defect contributed to the crash
Vehicle maintenance providers, if poor maintenance caused the accident
Government entities, if poor road conditions contributed to the collision

How Do Insurance Claims Work for Ride Share Accidents?

In Oklahoma, your first option for seeking compensation after an accident is typically to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage policy. However, things can get a little more complicated if the at-fault driver is the ride share driver.

Ride share services have their own insurance coverage that comes into play, depending on the stage of the ride the driver is in: App not in use, available for a trip, and en route or on a trip.

Insurance Coverage When the App Is Not in Use

If your injuries are caused by a ride share driver who is not using the ride share app at the time of the crash, you will file your insurance claim with their personal liability coverage policy. In Oklahoma, the minimum required amounts of liability coverage are:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage

Insurance Coverage When the Driver Is Available for a Trip

The ride share company’s auto insurance applies if the driver who caused your injuries was online on their ride share app and available for a trip. Both Uber and Lyft offer the same insurance coverage:

$50,000 per person for bodily injury
$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage

Insurance Coverage When the Driver Is En Route or on a Trip

If the collision occurs while the driver is en route or on a trip, Uber and Lyft offer higher insurance coverage rates. They both offer $1 million in combined coverage for bodily injuries and property damage caused by the accident.

Steps to Take After a Ride Share Accident Injury in Oklahoma

After sustaining injuries in a ride share accident, taking the following steps can improve your chances of successfully recovering the compensation you need:

Follow up with your medical treatment until you fully recover.
Keep track of all medical bills related to the accident.
Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters about the accident or your injuries.
Don’t post about the accident or your injuries on social media.
Write down everything you remember about the crash, including the time, date, and location.
Consult an experienced ride share accident lawyer about your case.

Contact Our Oklahoma Ride Share Accident Lawyers

If you sustained injuries in an Oklahoma ride share accident, you need a lawyer with experience taking on the commercial insurance companies used by Uber and Lyft. Contact Farha Law, PLLC, for a free consultation about your case with a knowledgeable ride share accident lawyer. Our team will fight to obtain maximum compensation for you.

Does Moving to Another State Affect Your Estate Planning?

Whether you’re changing jobs, retiring, or just wanting to start fresh in a new state, you’ll want to keep your estate plan current. Differences in state law can impact your existing wills, trusts, and advance directives, and what’s valid in your old jurisdiction may need adjustments to stay valid in your new home.

How Moving Out of State Affects a Will

The U.S. Constitution’s Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to respect other states’ public acts, records, and judicial proceedings. This means that wills that are proper in one state are generally honored in others, so long as the will is valid under the originating state’s law. However, valid is not the same as optimal.

Above all, you must ensure your will’s structure works well with your new state’s probate process. Oklahoma specifically requires that wills be in writing, with signatures from two witnesses or one witness with a licensed notary. You can also create a holographic will that you handwrite, date, and sign without any witnesses necessary.

If you’re moving to Oklahoma from another state, your lawyer may recommend changes to how you distribute your estate. Some states have differing rules about what surviving spouses can claim or community property laws that Oklahoma doesn’t recognize.

How Moving Out of State Affects a Trust

Trusts are governed by the state law named in the trust document. This is sometimes called the “situs” of the trust.

For a revocable trust, you can often change the situs to your new state without problems. From there, it will be bound by the laws of that state. Irrevocable trusts may be harder to move depending on the specific state law involved and the text of the trust document.

If you’re moving to Oklahoma, ask your lawyer about how the Trust Reform Act of 2024 affects your estate plan. This law allows directed trusts and makes other changes that could offer you more flexibility.

How Moving Out of State Affects Power of Attorney

In 2021, Oklahoma became one of the latest states to enact the provisions in the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA). Each UPOAA state has the exact same power of attorney laws and procedures. If you’re moving to Oklahoma from another UPOAA state, your power of attorney will likely be recognized in your new state as long as it meets the legal standards.

If you’re moving out of Oklahoma to a state that has not adopted the UPOAA, your power of attorney could still be valid so long as it met the legal requirements when you created it. Your legal team in your new state can explain any necessary updates to keep the directive valid.

Estate Tax Considerations When Moving to or From Oklahoma

Since 2010, Oklahoma residents have not had to pay estate tax or inheritance tax at the state level. However, federal estate taxes still apply if the value of your estate exceeds the statutory threshold, currently $13.99 million in 2025.

If you’re moving to Oklahoma, your estate planning could be much simpler thanks to the lower tax liability. However, if you’re leaving Oklahoma for a state that does levy inheritance and estate taxes, you may want to update your estate plan to limit potential liability.