Car accidents often leave victims facing medical bills, lost income, and long-term physical pain. When another driver’s negligence causes a crash, Oklahoma law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for the financial and personal losses they experience.
The amount of compensation available after a car accident depends on the severity of injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and the long-term impact of the crash. Drivers who have been injured should understand their legal rights and the types of damages that may be available. Reviewing the steps to take immediately after an accident can also help protect your claim — our guide on what to do after a car accident in Oklahoma City walks through each one.
Below are the most common types of compensation available in Oklahoma car accident cases.
Medical Expenses
Medical treatment is often the largest financial burden after a serious car accident. Compensation in an injury claim may include reimbursement for medical costs related to the crash.
These expenses may include:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
Some accident victims suffer injuries that require long-term treatment, including back injuries and whiplash, both of which can take weeks or months to fully diagnose and treat.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
Serious injuries can prevent accident victims from returning to work. Compensation may include lost income caused by time away from work during recovery.
In some cases, injuries may also affect a person’s ability to earn income in the future. This type of financial loss is often referred to as loss of earning capacity.
Property Damage
Car accidents frequently result in damage to vehicles and other personal property. Compensation for property damage may include:
- Vehicle repair costs
- Replacement of totaled vehicles
- Damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle
Insurance companies usually evaluate repair estimates when calculating property damage claims.
Pain and Suffering
Not all losses after a car accident are financial. Victims often experience physical pain and emotional distress following a serious collision.
Pain and suffering damages may compensate accident victims for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Mental trauma
These damages can be significant in severe injury cases.
Liability and Comparative Negligence
Compensation in an Oklahoma car accident claim may depend on who was responsible for causing the crash. Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means an injured victim may still recover compensation if they are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident.
Determining fault may involve reviewing evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. Some collisions, such as rear-end crashes, T-bone accidents, and head-on collisions, often involve complex liability issues that benefit from a thorough investigation.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, accident victims must file personal injury lawsuits before the legal deadline established by the statute of limitations. Failing to file a claim before the deadline expires may prevent a victim from recovering compensation.
If you have questions about your specific timeline or how much your case may be worth, contact Pasquali Law Firm for a free consultation. Learn more about our approach on our About Us page.