After experiencing a car accident in Oklahoma, you are likely facing many questions and new challenges when trying to understand what damages you are eligible to recover. This is especially overwhelming, as you’re likely trying to work on your legal case while healing from your injuries.
At Warhawk Legal, we want to help simplify your life by building this guide as a resource regarding collecting damages after your car accident. Considering how complex car accidents can be, if this guide doesn’t answer your questions, you can always call us at (405) 397-1717 to talk to one of our experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyers.
Understanding The Basics Of Damages
Damages are what happens to victims as a result of the incident. When a third party is negligent, victims can collect compensation in three categories of damages:
- Economic Damages: Economic damages are the real-world costs of the accident. Medical bills, lost wages, lost future earning potential, and rehabilitation costs are all examples of economic damages.
- Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages are the intangible costs of experiencing the accident. Pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all examples of non-economic damages.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages, in contrast, are not about the costs associated with the incident but seek to punish the perpetrator for wrongdoing.
Your lawyer will seek compensation for your case based on detailed calculations of all damages incurred. That’s why it’s nearly impossible to tell you what your case is worth without a consultation – so many factors go into its calculation.
Damage Caps On Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Accidents
In Oklahoma, there are no caps on damages related to car or motor vehicle incidents. The only damage caps to exist in Oklahoma statute relate to punitive damages.
As found under 23 OK Stat § 9.1 (2023), “Where the jury finds by clear and convincing evidence that:
- The defendant has been guilty of reckless disregard for the rights of others; or
- An insurer has recklessly disregarded its duty to deal fairly and act in good faith with its insured; the jury, in a separate proceeding conducted after the jury has made such finding and awarded actual damages, may award punitive damages in an amount not to exceed the greater of:
a. One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), or b. The amount of the actual damages awarded.”
That means the maximum punitive damages that could be paid to a victim is capped at $100,000 or the combination of the economic and non-economic damages the victim was awarded.
How A Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Damages After Your Oklahoma Accident
When you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options for seeking maximum compensation. Consulting with a skilled Oklahoma City injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the financial outcome of your case.
Warhawk Legal is proud to offer Oklahoma car accident victims a free case review and consultation. This process can help answer any questions about your specific circumstances, including how much your case may be worth. Call us at (405) 397-1717 or book your appointment online. You don’t have to navigate the complexities of personal injury law alone.