What Is Single Car Crash Compensation?
Have you been hurt in a car accident in Oklahoma? You could be looking at tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees depending on the severity of your injury. Even a seemingly minor mishap can cost a lot of money due to lost wages, hospital bills, and other expenses. And you shouldn't have to pay if you weren't the one who caused the accident.
It might be tough to figure out how to collect compensation following a car accident, which is why it's a good idea to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. We have decades of expertise at The West Law Firm assisting persons who have been injured in Oklahoma in obtaining full and fair compensation for their losses. That's why we've put together this quick guide on vehicle accident compensation in our state. Our auto accident lawyers have been doing this work for years, so we know what we're doing. It is important to have prior experience.
Oklahoma is a "fault" state for insurance
Oklahoma, like most states, uses the conventional tort system to compensate victims of car accidents. A person who is found to be at blame for an accident is legally liable for damages (financial compensation) resulting from the accident, which may include medical costs, lost earnings, property damage, and other expenses for the injured party.
There are two ways to get compensated.
To seek financial compensation for your injuries caused in an automobile accident, you can pursue one of two steps:
Make a "first-party" claim with your own insurance company for property damage, medical costs, and uninsured motorist coverage if you have the required sort of coverage. Your insurer may then seek property damage reimbursement from the at-fault driver and may have a claim against an uninsured motorist.
Suit the at-fault driver, who will be represented by his or her insurance company.
In Oklahoma, "first-party" insurance benefits are available
If you are involved in an accident, regardless of blame, you may be eligible for a variety of insurance benefits from your own insurance carrier. Note that in Oklahoma, some forms of coverage are optional, so your policy may not contain them. We suggest that you review your insurance to ensure that you have the first-party coverage you require in the case of an accident.
If your automobile is damaged in an accident, collision coverage pays for the repairs. If your car is ruled a total loss, collision also covers the cost of a replacement vehicle.
Medical payments coverage covers for your accident-related medical expenditures up to the policy limit. It protects you as well as anyone else who rides in your insured vehicle.
Drivers - Uninsured or Underinsured
All drivers in Oklahoma are required to have insurance. The following are the minimum insurance coverage:
$25,000 for a single person's injuries or death
For all injuries or deaths incurred in a single accident, a total of $50,000 is available.
Damage to property $25,000
However, it's not uncommon for the cost of a single accident to exceed the regulatory minimums. In addition, many Oklahoma drivers are breaking the law by driving without insurance. You are in a difficult situation if you are engaged in an accident with an uninsured driver or a driver who does not have adequate insurance to cover all of your losses. You can seek compensation from the assets of the at-fault driver, but this is a complicated and time-consuming judicial process, and uninsured drivers typically have limited assets to pursue.
If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you should be able to file a claim with your own insurance company for losses that the at-fault driver does not have coverage for. This type of coverage is optional in Oklahoma, but if you don't already have it, we recommend adding it to your insurance.
Taking legal action against the at-fault driver for "third-party" damages
In general, your own insurance company's benefits are small, if they exist at all. For example, your first-party benefits will not cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or any other non-economic damages. You must take legal action against the at-fault driver in order to receive full compensation.
For any required under the circumstance mentioned above, you can hire us at The West Law Firm. Our auto accident lawyers would gladly assist you.
** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.