Oklahoma drivers who are injured in vehicle accidents will need to go through the claims process to get the compensation that they deserve. If you’ve never gone through the claims process before, it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some common mistakes that you want to avoid making when filing your first auto insurance claim.
Filing a claim when it doesn’t make sense
Car accidents can happen for a number of different reasons. In the event that you were at fault for an accident that caused minimal damage to your car, you may not want to report it to your collision coverage insurance provider. It’s simply a matter of determining the repair cost and the deductible cost. In the event that the deductible is equal to or greater than the repair costs, it just makes sense to pay for the repairs yourself.
Forgetting to take pictures
The best place to take pictures of any damage to your vehicle is at the scene of the accident. You want to document the entire accident scene to give as much information as possible to ensure that your claim gets paid. This includes documenting any adverse weather conditions, skid marks on the roadway, or even roadway debris.
Saying that you’re fine
Many times, after a car accident occurs, the insurance adjuster will call you. This person will likely ask how you’re doing and notate your response. If you say that you’re feeling good or that you’re fine, the adjuster will notate that statement and use it against you if you later seek medical treatment or compensation. It’s important to be very careful in what you say to any of the insurance adjusters and even the other driver at the scene of the accident.
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a frightening experience. As you go through the claims process for the first time, you want to avoid the big mistakes that were discussed above. It’s also highly recommended that you contact an attorney to help with your claim to ensure that you get the compensation that you’re entitled to receive.