Car accidents happen every day in Oklahoma. Many are serious, causing significant injury and property damage. When you are hurt in such an accident, you need to fully understand Oklahoma car accident laws that govern the steps you must take and the rights you have. At Gorospe Law Group, our Tulsa car accident attorney can provide you with a free consultation to discuss your case.
Oklahoma Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents
One of the first Oklahoma car accident laws you should know relates to the statute of limitations or the length of time you have from the accident to take action in filing a claim. For most car accidents within the Oklahoma civil court system, there is a two-year deadline. This does not apply to the insurance company, and insurance companies can set their own standard. This falls under Oklahoma Statutes title 12, section 95.
Reporting a Car Accident Laws in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, if a car accident causes injury or death to any person, the drivers must contact the police to file a police report. Under Oklahoma Statutes title 47, section 10-107, the law states you must use an immediate method for contacting the police quickly. The local police department or the office of the county sheriff must be notified. On state highways, the State Highway Patrol must be notified.
Oklahoma Comparative Negligence Accident Laws
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence legal process. This means if both parties play a partial role in causing the accident, either party can seek damages owed to them. However, the damages you recover are reduced by the percentage of fault you have. You can continue to file a claim as long as your share is not more than 50% of the blame.
Oklahoma Car Insurance Laws
Like many states, all drivers in Oklahoma must maintain minimum levels of car insurance. This includes liability insurance, which protects other parties if you cause an injury to them. The law requires the following minimums:
- $25,000 in injuries or death coverage per person
- $50,000 for injuries or death to all people per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability
If you do not maintain the proper amount of insurance, you could face a fine, lose your license, and may even spend time imprisoned.
Oklahoma Laws for Personal Injury Claims
After you are involved in a car accident, get medical care, file a police report, and then contact a car accident attorney. Victims hurt due to the negligence of others have the right to pursue full and fair compensation for any losses they have from the at-fault party. Filing a claim with the insurance company requires that they use the at-fault party’s liability insurance to cover your losses up to the amount of coverage purchased. If your losses are more than this, you may be able to seek a lawsuit against the assets of the at-fault driver.
Set Up a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Case
Gorospe Law Group provides free consultations to victims of car accidents. We know Oklahoma car accident laws and how to fight to protect your rights.