Navigating Insurance Claims in a Tulsa, OK Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the accident was not your fault, you can file a claim on the other driver’s insurance policy. This means that you will have to deal with insurance companies. It’s important to understand that the insurance company’s insurance adjuster is focused on paying you as little as possible. Meanwhile, your personal injury attorney is focused on getting you as much compensation as they can for your injuries. Without an attorney, the insurance company will likely offer a low-ball settlement figure that doesn’t fully compensate you for your injuries. Having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side can help you navigate the insurance claims process, deal with the insurance company for you, negotiate with the insurance adjusters, and in the process, ensure you receive fair compensation.
In addition to dealing with insurance companies, you will also have to navigate the legal process of filing a personal injury claim. This means getting your case filed before the statute of limitations runs out, which is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in your claim being automatically dismissed. It is important to act promptly.
Determining the value of your claim
How much is your claim actually worth? This question is difficult to answer because there are so many factors at play. Damages can be divided into two types, economic and non-economic. Economic damages include costs such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a loss of enjoyment of life.
Calculating the total amount of damages requires a thorough understanding of both your current and future needs, the impact that the accident had on your quality of life, and whether you will be able to work again after your accident.
Comparative negligence in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, fault can be shared between multiple parties. This is known as comparative negligence. Under the doctrine of comparative negligence, your compensation can be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for causing the accident. For example, if you are 20 percent at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20 percent.
Worse, if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, your claim may be barred and you would be prevented from recovering any damages. Understanding how comparative negligence applies to your case is imperative for accurately assessing your compensation.
The importance of legal representation in an Oklahoma motorcycle accident
Filing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident is a complex and procedure-heavy process. When you hire an attorney to litigate the claim on your behalf, you take all of the pressure off of yourself so that you can focus on your recovery without having to worry about insurance adjusters trying to low-ball you.
Levinson Law, P.C. handles complex motorcycle accident claims for Oklahoma residents who have been injured. Call our Tulsa personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps immediately.
