Car accidents happen every day, and they can be devastating. If you are involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, you need to understand the laws and regulations governing these situations. It’s essential to know your rights and what you’re entitled to, whether you’re at fault or not. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about car accident laws in Oklahoma.
Table of Contents
The At-Fault System
Oklahoma is an at-fault system state, which means that the person who caused the accident will be the one held responsible and liable for damages. In other words, if you are not at fault for the accident, you could pursue a claim against the person who caused the accident to recover damages. However, if you are at fault, you could be financially responsible for the damages that occurred in the crash.
Statute of Limitations
In Oklahoma, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after a car accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for auto accidents in Oklahoma is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, your case cannot be heard in court.
Mandatory Insurance
Oklahoma requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. At a minimum, drivers must have $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident. This insurance will cover damages if you are at fault in an accident.
Comparative Negligence
Oklahoma uses a comparative negligence system to determine how much compensation each party is entitled to receive. Comparative negligence means that each party involved in the accident is assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions leading up to the accident. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What to do after a Car Accident
After a car accident, you should follow these steps:
- Ensure that everyone involved in the accident is safe and call emergency services if necessary.
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) including names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damages to the vehicles and the location of the accident.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
Hiring an Attorney
If you have been involved in a car accident, it’s essential to seek legal advice from a skilled attorney. An experienced attorney can assess your case and help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. They will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and represent you in court if necessary.
The Bottom Line
Understanding your rights after a car accident in Oklahoma is crucial. Remember that you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit, and you must carry insurance to cover damages. If you are involved in an accident, follow the steps outlined above and seek legal advice from an experienced attorney to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.