If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, it’s important to understand the laws that could impact your ability to recover compensation. Oklahoma follows a fault-based insurance system, which means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for paying damages. This means you may have multiple legal options available to you, including filing an insurance claim and/or personal injury lawsuit.
Knowing how Oklahoma’s car accident laws work can help you protect your legal rights and make the most of your opportunity to take action after a crash. Below is an overview of key laws that apply to most car accident cases in the state.
Fault and Comparative Negligence Rules
Oklahoma law requires every driver to carry liability insurance to cover injuries or property damage they cause. The minimum required coverage includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
If you are found partially responsible for the crash, Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence law may apply. Under this statute, you can still recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault, but your damages can be reduced by your share of responsibility. For example, if you were 10% to blame and your damages totaled $100,000, you could receive up to $90,000.
Reporting Requirements and Evidence
Under Oklahoma law, you must report any car accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage (usually over $300) to local law enforcement. A police report can serve as vital evidence when filing your claim, so it’s always best to call 911 after a collision to satisfy this requirement.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
In most cases, Oklahoma gives accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Missing this statute of limitations can permanently bar you from pursuing compensation in court.
However, note that there are some exceptions that can adjust this time limit in either direction. The safest approach is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your car accident for legal help.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma?
An experienced car accident lawyer can handle the complex aspects of your claim while protecting you from tactics used by insurance companies to limit their liability. At the end of the day, your attorney will aim to maximize the compensation you recover from the responsible parties.
Your lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash and gather supporting evidence
- Identify all liable parties and available sources of compensation
- Handle communications and negotiations with insurers
- Calculate the full value of your economic and non-economic damages
- File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement
Most personal injury lawyers in Oklahoma work on a contingency fee basis as well, meaning you pay nothing unless your lawyer wins compensation for your case. This approach makes it easier to choose the best car accident lawyer in Tulsa for your needs.
Contact a Tulsa Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in Oklahoma, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward a complete financial recovery. Gorospe Law Group has over 20 years of experience helping accident victims across the state recover millions in verdicts and settlements. Now, we’re here to get to work for you.
Call (918) 582-7775 today or message us online to schedule a free consultation with a Tulsa car accident lawyer. We can advise you of your best course of action at that time.