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You never know when you might find yourself involved in a collision. An Oklahoma car accident is serious, but the fallout doesn’t have to be unmanageable. It’s helpful to understand some dos and don’ts for car insurance claims in Oklahoma – and to make sure you have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.
What to Do for Your Car Accident Claim
Car collisions aren’t just frightening in the moment. Their effects can last a lifetime. And even if the crash you were in wasn’t catastrophic, filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit can be complex and time-consuming. Here’s what to do:
- Contact the police – Call 911 immediately following your collision. Emergency medical personnel will ensure everyone involved receives the care they need. Meanwhile, the police will get the scene under control and gather the information they need for their report. You must provide as much information as possible, as this report could play a vital role as you pursue compensation.
- Know your insurance coverage – It’s important to be familiar with your insurance policy and what coverage you have. Bodily injury protection and property damage liability insurance are mandatory in Oklahoma. You may also elect to have collision and uninsured motorist coverage, which can offer crucial additional protection in the event of an accident. Review your policy if you have not done so already.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible – It’s in your best interest to reach out to your insurance company right away and provide the information they request. Stick to the basic facts, and keep a detailed record of your conversations with all parties involved. Failure to report your collision right away can result in delaying your compensation and possibly even a denial of your claim.
- Collect as much information as possible at the scene – Although the collision scene can be chaotic, you should document as much as you can on the spot. Get contact info for any witnesses and exchange information with the other driver. You should also take pictures or video of vehicle damage and any details of the surrounding area that may be helpful in your claim.
- Save all bills and receipts for expenses – Start a digital folder for online communications, and dedicate a file folder to paperwork related to your collision. This may include medical bills, communication with insurance companies, receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses, receipts for vehicle repairs, and rental car invoices. These materials are critical when filing an insurance claim or pursuing compensation through a lawsuit.
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer – You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can handle much of the work listed above while pursuing the full compensation you deserve. Their efforts can also help expedite the process of resolving your claim.
What Not to Do for Your Car Accident Claim
There are many things you shouldn’t do if you’re pursuing a car accident claim, whether through insurance or a personal injury suit. Here are the significant don’ts for car insurance claims in Oklahoma:
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company – Avoid making any statements that could compromise your situation or jeopardize your claim, especially to the other driver’s insurance company. Even a statement that seems harmless could be used against you by a skilled opposing lawyer. Consult your own car accident attorney first.
- Don’t admit fault even if you think you were to blame – You might worry you caused or contributed to the collision. However, you shouldn’t say or even suggest this to the other driver, their insurance company, your own insurer, or members of law enforcement. Fault can only be accurately assigned after the collision is investigated. Stick to the facts to avoid anything that might jeopardize your claim.
- Don’t accept the initial estimate of your losses – It’s important to leave room for negotiation. Insurance companies are more interested in quickly closing your claim than in offering full and fair compensation. Talk to your Oklahoma car accident lawyer before accepting a settlement. They can use their knowledge of the law to negotiate a more favorable outcome.
- Don’t accept final payment unless it is enough to cover your losses – If you receive a check that says “final payment,” don’t cash or deposit it. Take it straight to your attorney. The amount may not be enough to fully compensate you for your losses. You don’t want to leave money on the table or give up your rights by acting hastily.
- Don’t sign anything you do not completely understand – An insurance company might try to get you to sign a waiver or release. But doing so could jeopardize your ability to take legal action to seek the compensation you deserve. Any documentation of this sort must be reviewed by your attorney and kept in your case file.
- Don’t delay in filing a claim – Start the claim process right away following the collision, whether you’re pursuing an insurance payout or seeking compensation through a personal injury suit. You only have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. It’s essential to give your attorney enough time to fight for your compensation.
Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
Of all the dos and don’ts for car insurance claims in Oklahoma, perhaps the most crucial step is contacting an attorney who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and getting your life back.
The Oklahoma car accident lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law have decades of experience representing clients who’ve been hurt in car accidents. We know what it takes to win these cases because we’ve done so time and time again. Contact Edwards & Patterson Law today for a free consultation. Our team can handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery. We look forward to demonstrating how we’ll fight for justice on your behalf.
