The average person will be involved in a car accident 3-4 times within his or her lifetime. In many of these crashes, people are lucky enough to walk away with minor injuries. Sometimes, the injuries are so severe that crash victims have to be rushed to the hospital.
If you were rushed to the hospital, you may be facing expensive emergency medical procedures and long-term care. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Emergency room care
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- X-rays, MRIs and CT scans
- Medication for pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Use of other medical equipment and procedures
Who is responsible for paying for my medical expenses if I go to the hospital?
When someone sustains severe and long-term injuries in a crash, the bills will add up. On top of that, crash victims have to take time off from work to recover. This is often a financially and emotionally draining ordeal. If your crash was caused by someone else's negligence, then you shouldn't have to pay for the damages.
Oklahoma is an at-fault state that employs the comparative negligence rule. That means if you were more than 50 percent at fault for your crash, you won't be able to pursue damages. Otherwise, you can pursue damages from the at-fault driver's insurance company.
The damages you can recover in Oklahoma aren't just limited to medical expenses. You can also recover:
- Lost wages while you're unable to work
- Property damage or loss of property
- Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental and emotional anguish, etc.)
- Disability benefits (if you become permanently disabled as a result of your crash)
How do I pursue a claim after going to the hospital?
If you were hospitalized after a car accident, it's critical that you speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. You may have sustained a severe head injury, multiple broken bones, internal injuries, spinal injuries, crushed limbs, deep lacerations, or paralysis.
When pursuing a car accident claim in an "at fault" state, a burden of proof applies. The insurance company that represents the other driver will do everything in its power to pay you as little as possible. This includes shifting the blame onto you or offering you a quick lowball settlement to make your claim go away.
The legal team at Lawter & Associates will work tirelessly to investigate your crash and accurately tally up your damages. We'll also negotiate with the other driver's insurance company for a fair settlement that compensates you to the fullest extent.
With offices conveniently located in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, our law firm represents injured motorists throughout Oklahoma. We also offer free and confidential case consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis. You only pay if we win your case. Contact us online today to find out how we can help you.