If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tulsa, Oklahoma, you may be wondering what kind of settlement you can expect to recover. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single “average” amount that applies to every case, as car accident settlements vary substantially depending on the facts and circumstances of the situation at hand.
Still, learning about the factors that influence the value of a claim can give you a clearer idea of what to expect. Read on for more information, and schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Tulsa if you’ve been involved in a collision.
Why There’s No Set “Average” Tulsa Car Accident Settlement Amount
Car accidents are highly fact-sensitive scenarios. A minor fender-bender with no injuries, for instance, will not be valued the same as a wreck causing serious, lifelong medical issues. Insurance companies evaluate each case individually, and the settlement amount you receive will ultimately reflect the unique details of your accident.
For that reason, it’s best to look at the factors that drive settlement values rather than relying on a statewide “average.”
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Tulsa Car Accident Case?
Car accident settlements in Oklahoma are designed to make victims “whole” again. That means you can recover compensation for both financial losses as well as for more personal harms that don’t come with receipts.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses, both past and future
- Property damage
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages are more subjective but equally important. These can cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
In rare cases, Oklahoma law also permits punitive damages if the at-fault driver acted with reckless disregard, such as by driving drunk or engaging in highly dangerous behavior.
What Factors Could Impact My Settlement Amount?
Several elements can significantly impact how much your car accident claim is worth. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Severity of your injuries: Serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones typically result in higher settlements.
- Medical expenses: Both current bills and anticipated future care are considered.
- Lost wages and future earning capacity: If your injuries keep you from working, your settlement should account for that lost income.
- Pain and suffering: Oklahoma law allows you to recover compensation for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and emotional distress.
- Shared fault: Oklahoma uses a modified comparative negligence system. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you’re less than 51% responsible, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Insurance coverage: The available policy limits can cap how much money you can recover, no matter how severe your damages are.
Several factors can significantly impact how much your car accident claim is worth, and insurance coverage is often one of the biggest. If the at-fault driver has no coverage at all, filing a claim against an uninsured driver in Oklahoma involves a very different process and can affect the settlement you receive.
Other factors could come into play as well, potentially even the skill of your personal injury attorney. For example, some lawyers are better than others at negotiating with insurance companies and leveraging resources.
Get Legal Help After a Tulsa Car Accident
While there’s no universal “average” car accident settlement amount in Tulsa, OK, the right lawyer can help you maximize the value of your claim based on your injuries, expenses, and future needs.
If you’ve been injured in a crash in the area, don’t leave your financial recovery to chance. Contact an experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer with Gorospe Law Group for a free consultation today. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if we win compensation for you.