What You Should Know If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident

Car Accident

Most drivers in Oklahoma will be involved in multiple car accidents during their many decades behind the wheel. In many cases, these accidents will be caused by other parties. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in personal injury that leaves you strapped for cash. Personal injury can create expensive medical bills, and it may require you to take a substantial amount of time off of work to recover. This means that medical expenses are combined with lost wages. Some people are unfortunately so seriously injured that permanent disability occurs. Disabilities may make it impossible for you to return to work in the same position, which can detract from future income. If you have been impacted by a car accident in Oklahoma, it is important that you understand a few important factors upfront so that you can take proactive steps to protect your rights as soon as possible.

Insurance May Not Cover All Related Expenses

Some drivers believe that car insurance benefits will pay for all accident-related expenses. However, auto insurance policies are written so that financial benefits are only available up to the limits defined in the coverage. For example, if a policy offers $15,000 for personal injury expenses and your actual expenses are $25,000, you are responsible for the $10,000 difference. On the other hand, regardless of who caused the accident, healthcare providers view you as the patient or client. You are the responsible party that they turn to for payment for the services that they provided.

Insurance Offers No Compensation for Lost Wages

Medical expenses that may be covered by a typical auto insurance policy include doctor’s visits, medication, hospitalization, surgery and more. While these are direct expenses that you must contend with, there are also other expenses to be aware of. Many people who are injured in an accident must take time off of work to recover. In some cases, this can result in many days or weeks of lost wages. This is a financial loss that you incur from the accident. Auto insurance coverage does not usually provide compensation for this type of financial loss.

Your Civil Rights Are Protected Through Personal Injury Laws

These losses are combined with personal property loss, pain, suffering and more. In Oklahoma, drivers are financially responsible for all expenses that they cause while behind the wheel. This responsibility is usually at least partially covered by their auto insurance benefits, but personal injury responsibility continues to all losses created. As an injured party in a car accident, you can force the responsible party to pay for all expenses that they create beyond expenses that are paid for by the auto insurance company. Personal injury laws are designed to protect you financially in this way.

The financial impact of a car accident can begin accruing immediately. The stress of a cash crunch can detract from your ability to focus on healing properly. A cash shortage may also limit your ability to seek the full medical treatment that is needed. Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek financial compensation for all types of expenses the responsible party created. If you have recently been involved in a car accident caused by another party, now is the ideal time to request a consultation with a personal injury lawyer and to learn more about your rights and options.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence you may benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney. Bryan Garrett is a personal injury attorney in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Call the personal injury law firm of Bryan Garrett today for a consultation. Bryan Garrett will fight for you!

Garret Law Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm in Oklahoma City

Bryan Garrett PLLC

Bryan Garrett has been dedicated to personal injury law for over 15 years in Oklahoma City. He has achieved excellent results for countless clients, whether through settlement or litigation.

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