If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in Oklahoma City and sustained severe injuries, you may feel frustrated and unsure of what to do. Not only are you unable to work, but your bills keep piling up, your medical expenses are eating up most of your savings, and your injuries are making it difficult for you to enjoy life. Sadly, your situation is not uncommon.
Car accident victims are often dealt the short end of the stick. Though insurance policies cover the cost of some expenses, for many accident victims, the policy limits are not enough. Some car accident injuries require tens of thousands of dollars in medical treatment, while others require life-long support.
At BDIW, our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer can assist you with your claim. If your injuries are severe, and if you are having difficulty obtaining the compensation you need to recover both in financial and physical comfort, reach out to an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer at BDIW Law to learn more about your recovery options.
Who Should Pay After an Oklahoma City Car Accident
Figuring out who is responsible for causing your car accident in Oklahoma City is essential if you hope to recover the compensation you are entitled to. Although you may be anxious to file a claim against the driver that hit you, it may surprise you to learn several parties share blame for the injuries you sustained.
Auto Parts Manufacturers
Some of the most common parties held accountable after car accidents are auto parts manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and designers. These individuals and organizations have a duty to ensure the parts the manufacturer and design are functioning safely. When these agencies use faulty parts to save money or are otherwise negligent in the building of their products, they can be held accountable for the victim’s damages.
Negligent Drivers
Negligent drivers are frequently held accountable for their unsafe driving. Any type of driving that violates traffic rules and regulations could be considered negligence. Some of the most common types of negligent driving known for causing collisions include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Drunk driving
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Distracted driving
- Failure to stop at a traffic light or stop sign
- Making unlawful turns
- Driving while fatigued
Oklahoma City and Government Agencies
Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and other relevant government agencies have a duty to maintain the integrity of the roadways throughout the state. When there are potholes, missing street signs, improperly secured road construction zones, and other dangerous conditions on the road Waze, these parties can be sued for the victim’s losses.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYWhat to Expect from Negotiations with the Insurance Company
Oklahoma is an at-fault car accident state, which means that negligent parties can be held liable for any injuries or damages that they cause. In most cases, a negligent party’s insurance company will cover the cost of damages and injuries.
However, insurance companies like to play hardball, and most offer lowball settlements to injured victims hoping they will accept. When a lowball settlement is accepted, the injured party is stuck with it, and they cannot pursue additional compensation in the future.
You can avoid getting stuck with a lowball settlement by doing one of two things – turning down the first settlement you are offered and contacting an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer.
Types of Car Accidents
At BDIW Law, our results-driven and compassionate lawyers have the expertise and resources necessary to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation in all types of car accidents, including:
- Head-on crashes. This is the most dangerous type of car accident that often results in devastating injuries and deaths. Head-on crashes occur when the front ends of two cars smash into each other.
- Rear-end collisions. Not all rear-end crashes are minor fender-benders, as some of these collisions can lead to severe injuries. This type of car accident occurs when a vehicle crashes into the back of the car in front of it.
- Side-impact accidents. Side impacts, also known as side-swipe collisions, happen when one vehicle hits another vehicle on its side. It can result in severe injuries to the driver or passenger on the side where the impact occurs.
- Multi-vehicle crashes. Multi-vehicle accidents involve more than two automobiles.
- Rollover accidents. This type of crash can involve multiple cars or only one vehicle that tips over to the side or rolls over to its roof.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Oklahoma City
Under Oklahoma law, all motorists must exercise due care when operating a vehicle. When a driver’s negligent behavior results in a car accident, the injured victim will be entitled to compensation from the negligent motorist.
Depending on the type and severity of a car accident, it can lead to the following types of injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Whiplash
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Paralysis
- Scrapes, bruises, and cuts
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Foot and leg injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
Note: It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident to diagnose your injuries, even if you feel completely fine. Often, car accident injuries have delayed symptoms.
Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Oklahoma
If you have been involved in a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your resulting monetary and non-monetary losses. The following types of damages may be available following a motor vehicle accident in Oklahoma:
Economic Damages
Economic damages, also known as special compensatory damages, are any monetary expenses and losses incurred by the injured party due to the car crash. Economic damages include:
- Loss of income
- Medical bills (the cost of medical treatment, prescriptions, surgery, etc.)
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage (the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle following the collision)
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, or general compensatory damages, refer to abstract losses. However, just because they are abstract does not mean that they are not real. These damages refer to any non-monetary losses suffered by the victim, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
It is vital to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma to help you calculate your economic and non-economic damages.
Oklahoma Personal Injury Laws that Could Affect Your Settlement
Here are some of the most critical injury laws that could impact the compensation you recover in your car accident claim:
Fault Insurance
When living in a fault insurance state like Oklahoma, the liable party’s insurer is supposed to cover the injury victim’s damages. Your car accident lawyer in Oklahoma City, OK can handle the insurance negotiations on your behalf to maximize your payout and help you avoid being taken advantage of.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence code. Here, if you share liability for the accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages at a reduced rate.
For example, if you were found 20% liable for causing your injuries, your settlement would be reduced by 20%. If your portion of the fault is greater than 49%, you could lose your right to recover compensation for your losses.
Statute of Limitations
According to Oklahoma Statute §12-95, the civil court system can only hear cases when claims are filed within two years of the accident. However, there are also instances in which the statute of limitations could be tolled, such as in the case of injuries to minors. You might also need to file insurance claims in as few as thirty days, according to insurer policy regulations.
Why Work with a Car Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City, OK
The average consumer assumes that an insurance company has their best interests in mind. Unfortunately, that is far from the case. Most insurance companies operate with their bottom lines at the forefront of their minds and try to finagle their way out of paying a fair amount.
Insurance companies and their lawyers are willing to go through several rounds of negotiations before settling on a fair settlement for an accident victim. In extreme cases, the insurance company and a victim’s lawyers never come to an agreement, in which case, the claim goes to trial.
An experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can help throughout every step of the claims process. They can coach you through the negotiation process and even step up to the plate on your behalf. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can advise you on what you must do to obtain the best possible outcome.
Expert Car Accident Lawyers in Oklahoma City
Car accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma City, our team of skilled car accident lawyers is ready to provide you with expert legal representation. We understand the challenges you may be facing, and we are committed to helping you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
FAQs:
Q: How can a car accident lawyer help me after a crash?
A: A car accident lawyer can provide essential guidance and support throughout the legal process. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident?
A: After a car accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Seek medical attention for injuries, if needed. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s), and document the accident scene by taking photos and gathering witness information.
Q: How is liability determined in a car accident case?
A: Liability is determined by assessing factors such as driver negligence, traffic laws, and evidence from the accident scene. An investigation will help establish who was at fault, which is crucial for filing a successful personal injury claim.
Q: What damages can I recover in a car accident claim?
A: You may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A car accident lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your damages.
Q: How long must I file a car accident claim in Oklahoma City?
A: In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the accident date. It’s essential to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
Contact Your Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were seriously injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, you deserve compensation for your injuries and subsequent losses.
An experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer at BDIW Law will review the circumstances surrounding your case, review the evidence, and do everything in their power to maximize your settlement. Contact our Oklahoma City firm through our quick contact form today for a free consultation and get started on your case.
