There are certain vital steps that the victims of car crashes in Oklahoma will want to take. If they do, they will find it easier to go forward with any claims. The first step is for victims to remain as calm as possible. They should determine if anyone was injured and then accordingly call an ambulance. They should call the police even if everyone appears to be cooperating.
What information to obtain or exchange
The two parties in the accident should move their vehicles out of the way of any traffic. Then comes the process of obtaining and documenting data. Victims can jot down what happened and ask for the name and number of any eyewitnesses. They should photograph the vehicle damage and any physical injuries. Documenting can be easy thanks to the WreckCheck app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Once the police arrive, a person should take down the officer’s name and number as well as the number of the incident report he or she writes up. This can be sent to an individual’s insurance company. When interacting with one another, victims should avoid making rash judgments or admitting fault.
Knowing what insurance can cover
The other driver’s property damage and bodily injury liability coverage can partially cover a victim’s losses. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may kick in too.
Filing a third-party insurance claim
Oklahoma is not a no-fault state, so victims of car accidents can seek compensation from the other side’s insurer without needing to meet a “serious injury” threshold. Before you go forward with a claim, though, you may want legal advice and guidance. A lawyer may represent your best interests at the negotiation table and seek a fair settlement covering economic and noneconomic losses. If all else fails, you could discuss litigation with an attorney.