Understanding how insurers evaluate accident claims can help injured drivers protect their rights and avoid accepting settlements that do not fully cover their losses. If you have recently been involved in a crash, reviewing the steps drivers should take immediately afterward can make a real difference — our guide on what to do after a car accident in Oklahoma City walks through each one.

Below is how insurance companies typically handle car accident claims in Oklahoma.

Reporting the Accident

The first step in most insurance claims is reporting the accident to the insurance company. Drivers usually provide information such as:

Insurance companies may request a recorded statement describing what happened during the accident. However, accident victims should be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters because statements may later be used to dispute liability. This is true regardless of the crash type, whether it stems from one of the more common causes of car accidents in Oklahoma City or a collision at one of the metro’s most dangerous roads and intersections.

Investigating the Accident

Once a claim is filed, the insurance company will begin investigating the crash. Adjusters review evidence to determine fault and estimate the cost of damages.

The investigation may include reviewing:

Evidence gathered during the investigation helps determine whether the other driver was responsible for the collision. Many accidents involve specific crash types such as rear-end collisions, and in some cases drunk driving plays a role in determining fault.

Determining Liability

Insurance companies must determine who was responsible for the accident before deciding whether to approve a claim. In Oklahoma, liability is determined using a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows injured victims to recover compensation as long as they are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident.

Because fault can sometimes be disputed, accident investigations may involve reviewing crash evidence and reconstructing the accident.

Evaluating Injuries and Medical Costs

Insurance adjusters also evaluate the injuries suffered in a car accident. Medical records and physician reports are often used to determine the severity of injuries.

Common accident injuries include:

Our guides on back injuries and whiplash injuries go into more detail on what to expect during treatment and recovery.

Settlement Negotiations

After reviewing the evidence and damages, the insurance company may make a settlement offer. The initial offer is often lower than the full value of the claim — see our guide on what compensation you can recover after a car accident in Oklahoma for a full breakdown. Insurance companies may attempt to reduce payouts by:

Accident victims should carefully review settlement offers before accepting them.

Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

If an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, accident victims may pursue legal action. Oklahoma law places deadlines on injury lawsuits, explained in our guide on the statute of limitations for injury lawsuits in Oklahoma. Failing to file a lawsuit before the legal deadline may prevent a claim from moving forward.

If you’re unsure where your claim stands, contact Pasquali Law Firm for a free consultation, or learn more about our approach on our About Us page.

Quick Answer: How Do Insurance Companies Evaluate Car Accident Claims?

Insurance companies evaluate accident claims by reviewing police reports, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle damage. Adjusters analyze this evidence to determine who was responsible for the accident and estimate the financial value of the claim.