If you have contributed to an accident in Oklahoma, you may be concerned about whether it will affect your settlement. In a nutshell, it will. However, just because you played a role in the crash does not mean you cannot hold the other party liable or recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Oklahoma’s comparative negligence rules allow for recovery of damages even if you are partially at fault for an accident. However, your contribution to the crash should not exceed the other party’s. It means that you cannot recover compensation from the other party involved in the accident if you are more than 50% to blame.
How it may impact your settlement
If your contribution does not exceed the other party’s, you can file a car accident claim and seek compensation for your damages. However, your settlement will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. In other words, you will not recover the full amount of the damages you suffered.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident and your total damages amount to $20,000, your settlement would be reduced by 20%, and you would receive $16,000.
Do not shoulder excessive blame for a crash
After a car accident, insurance companies will assess the evidence to determine each party’s degree of fault. Factors, such as traffic laws, witness statements and the actions of each party leading up to the accident, will be considered.
In such cases, it is prudent to seek legal guidance. You may disagree with the degree of fault assigned to you, and it helps to understand your rights and options, given the impact it can have on your car accident claim or potential settlement.