How do I Calculate a Car Accident Settlement Amount?

To calculate a car accident settlement amount in Oklahoma, you must accurately quantify both economic and non-economic damages while accounting for state-specific negligence laws.

Economic damages include tangible financial losses such as medical bills (emergency care, therapy, and future costs), lost wages (calculated via pay stubs and tax returns), and property damage based on repair estimates or vehicle appraisals.

Non-economic damages address intangible harms like pain and suffering or emotional distress. Oklahoma courts typically quantify these using one of two methods:

1. Multiplier Method: Multiplying total economic damages by a factor of 1 to 5 based on injury severity.
2. Per Diem Method: Applying a daily rate for suffering from the date of the accident onward.

Finally, Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault, your total settlement is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if your total damages are $100,000 but you are 30 percent at fault, your final settlement would be $70,000. Under state law, you can only recover compensation if your fault is less than 51 percent.