Losing a loved one in a fatal car crash in Oklahoma can turn your world upside down instantly. Not only do you feel overwhelmed by the untimely loss of someone important to you, but their sudden absence can cause significant financial turmoil in your everyday life. Amid all the feelings of grief and loss, you might wonder what your options are and where you can turn for trusted guidance from an Oklahoma fatal car accident lawyer in such a situation.
The Oklahoma legal team at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons has a compassionate car accident lawyer with over three decades of experience. Our skilled lawyers can guide you during these challenging times. We understand that the aftermath of a fatal accident presents circumstances that can be the source of a lot of sadness and uncertainty, as well as a burning sense of injustice. You do not need to face this situation alone. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn about how we can help you.
What Can You Do After a Loved One Dies in a Fatal Car Accident in Oklahoma?
After the tragic loss of a loved one, many people have difficulty knowing what they should do next. Even if you recognize that you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for your losses, you may not have the energy or emotional stamina to take the steps to do so. Wrongful death cases require thorough investigations and complicated legal procedures that can feel overwhelming even in the best of times.
Enlisting the services of an experienced Oklahoma wrongful death lawyer to represent your interests is essential. Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons will handle all aspects of your case while you have the time and space to mourn and adjust to life in your loved one’s absence. We are committed to offering one-on-one attention and providing professional legal representation. We understand that no amount of money will ever make up for the loss of your loved one. However, we believe that your loved one deserves justice, and you deserve a sense of closure. We will fight to hold the at-fault party financially accountable so you do not have to cope with the financial stress their negligence has caused.
Difference Between a Civil and a Criminal Fatal Car Accident Case
In many cases involving an individual’s untimely death, the party responsible for the accident will face both criminal and civil cases.
In a criminal case, the state prosecutes the driver who caused the fatal car accident. However, a criminal case does not directly compensate the victim’s family. Instead, it serves to punish the wrongdoer. While criminal cases are essential for holding the at-fault party accountable for their behavior, they do not cover your financial losses, pain, or suffering.
On the other hand, a civil case allows the family of the deceased individual to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one. The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to allow surviving family members to re-establish the financial situation they would have been in if their loved one had not died an untimely death. A fatal accident lawyer will guide you through the process of developing a wrongful death lawsuit, focusing on your rights and needs.
Compensation Available in a Car Crash Resulting in Wrongful Death
The compensation sought after a wrongful death in a car crash may include the following types of losses:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before the victim’s death
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Many of these forms of compensation can be difficult to calculate without knowledge of the law. An experienced wrongful death auto accident attorney at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons can help you evaluate your potential claim and fight for the maximum compensation available under Oklahoma law.
Who Can Claim Compensation for a Fatal Car Accident in OK?
In many states, the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, parents, or next of kin can file a wrongful death claim following a fatal car accident. However, Oklahoma state law requires the decedent’s personal representative (sometimes known as an executor) to file the claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate. In many cases, the deceased will have named a personal representative in their will. If they did not do so, the court will appoint a personal representative. The representative can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit and seek compensation on behalf of the decedent’s spouse, children, or next of kin.
Oklahoma Statute of Limitations for Fatal Car Accident Cases
Under Oklahoma law, you generally have two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, exceptions can apply. Missing the filing deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation through the court system. Wrongful death cases require detailed evidence, often taking months to assemble and present. Therefore, contacting a fatal accident attorney as soon as possible is crucial to protecting your right to bring a claim. The sooner your lawyer begins working on your case, the better able the lawsuit will be to gather evidence and build a solid claim within the time allowed.
Contact the Oklahoma Fatal Car Accident Lawyers at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons
When you are struggling to process the tragic aftermath of a fatal car crash, every aspect of your life can feel overwhelming. The trusted professionals at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons are here to help. Offering guidance based on more than 30 years of legal practice, our fatal car accident attorneys are passionate about giving each case the one-on-one attention it deserves. Our depth of experience with wrongful death cases ensures that we fully understand your unique needs.
Since our establishment in 1984, we have focused solely on personal injury law. This focus provides a depth of knowledge in our field. We are ready to use our experience and resources to assist you. Contact our compassionate Oklahoma City fatal car accident lawyers for a free consultation today. We look forward to helping you seek the justice you deserve after losing your loved one.
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