If you were in a car accident and are now experiencing headaches, dizziness, or trouble concentrating, you could have a concussion (a head injury that can have a lasting impact). If someone’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim.
An Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can help you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Oklahoma’s Car Accident Fault System
Car accidents are stressful and confusing, and the legal implications can add another layer of worry. Oklahoma’s “comparative negligence“ system determines fault and compensation for car accidents. This means your compensation depends on the percentage of fault assigned to you and the other driver(s) involved.
For example, if you’re deemed 20% at fault for the accident and your total damages are $100,000, you could recover $80,000 in compensation. An Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can help investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and build a strong case to minimize the percentage of fault attributed to you.
Linking Your Concussion to the Crash
To win a car accident claim for a concussion, you need to prove two key things:
- The other driver was negligent: The driver acted carelessly or recklessly, causing the accident.
- Your concussion resulted from the crash: Here’s where seeking immediate medical attention becomes crucial.
Concussions can be tricky because symptoms may not appear immediately or may be subtle at first. Some common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Balance problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s important to see a doctor right away after a car accident. A medical evaluation creates a clear record and timeline linking your concussion to the accident. This documentation is crucial evidence to counter any argument from the insurance company that your injury occurred at some other time.
The Importance of Treatment and Following Doctor’s Orders
A doctor can diagnose a concussion through a physical exam and a series of tests. Early intervention with treatment and rehabilitation can significantly improve recovery times and minimize long-term complications. Following your doctor’s orders for treatment is also important for your legal case.
The insurance company may use any failure to seek treatment to reduce your compensation. An Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can help you understand your treatment plan and the importance of adhering to it for your health and legal claim.
Types of Compensation for Car Accident Claims with Concussions
If you can prove the other driver’s negligence caused your concussion, you may be entitled to compensation damages. They include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all past and future medical bills related to your concussion, including doctor visits, diagnostics, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary specialists.
- Lost Wages: If your concussion forced you to miss work, you can recover compensation for lost wages and potential future lost wages if your injury has a lasting impact on your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical and emotional pain caused by your injuries, including headaches, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and emotional distress. Concussions can also impact your cognitive abilities and overall quality of life, and these factors are considered when calculating pain and suffering damages.
Benefits of Having an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side
The process of filing a car accident claim and negotiating with insurance companies can be complex and time-consuming, especially when dealing with a serious head injury like a concussion. An experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer from Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers can:
- Investigate the accident scene thoroughly to determine fault and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Work with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your concussion and its impact on your life.
- Handle all communication with the insurance company, protecting you from tactics they might use to downplay your injuries or deny your claim.
- Negotiate an aggressive settlement offer that reflects the full value of your claim.
- Represent you in court if necessary and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Delay Getting Help: Schedule a Free Consultation Now
The sooner you contact a lawyer after your accident, the sooner they can start working on your case. Early intervention allows for a far more thorough investigation.
Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers now for a free consultation of your claim. We can determine if you have a solid case and start working immediately toward the maximum compensation for your injuries.
