Do You Need a Lawyer If You Were Partially at Fault in an Accident?

Car accidents aren’t always black and white. Maybe you were turning left when someone sped through a yellow light — or you braked too late, but the other driver was texting. If you think you were partly at fault for a wreck in Oklahoma, you might be wondering: can I still recover compensation?

The short answer is often yes. But the more accurate answer is: you should talk to a lawyer before assuming you can’t. Here’s why fault doesn’t always bar recovery — and how Aldridge Teasdale can help protect your rights even when the facts aren’t clear-cut.

1. Oklahoma Uses “Comparative Negligence”

Oklahoma law follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. That means even if you share part of the blame for an accident, you can still recover damages — as long as you were less than 50% at fault.

Here’s how it works:

• If you were 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.
• If you were 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover anything under state law.

That single percentage point can make or break your case — which is why insurance companies will do everything they can to push your “fault” number above 50%.

2. Insurance Companies Love the “Partial Fault” Defense

When insurers sense any possible mistake on your part, they pounce. Even if the other driver was clearly speeding, distracted, or intoxicated, the adjuster might argue that you caused most of the accident. Their goal is simple: reduce what they owe.

That’s where having an experienced personal injury attorney matters. We know how to investigate, reconstruct, and present your case in a way that shows the true cause of the crash — not the story the insurance company wants to tell.

3. Evidence Can Shift the Blame

Even when things look bad at first, solid evidence can change everything. At Aldridge Teasdale, we dig into the details that insurance companies hope you’ll overlook:

• Traffic camera or dashcam footage
• Accident reconstruction reports
• Cell phone records showing distracted driving
• Witness statements and police reports

Many of our clients started out thinking they were “partly to blame” — only for our investigation to prove otherwise.

4. Why Legal Representation Still Matters

Even if you were partially at fault, a lawyer can often recover compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and lost income. More importantly, your attorney can prevent insurance companies from twisting the facts to deny your claim entirely.

Every accident is different, and a small detail — like who had the right of way or whether a stoplight was flashing — can change the entire outcome of your case.

5. What You Can Still Recover

If your case qualifies under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence rule, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Property damage and transportation costs

Don’t leave money on the table because an adjuster convinced you the crash was “mostly your fault.”

Talk to an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been in a car accident and think you might share some of the blame, don’t give up — and don’t face the insurance company alone. Aldridge Teasdale can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and fight for a fair outcome.

Request your Free Case Review or call (405) 447-HURT today. You pay nothing unless we win — that’s the Aldridge Teasdale promise.

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