Most people are baffled by the insurance claim process. In fact, for most, only the accident itself is more bewildering than the claims process which follows.
Read here to learn how insurance claims work in Oklahoma City personal injury cases, including the most commonly disputed issues and the main factors that will determine the outcome of your insurance claim.
Making an Insurance Claim in Oklahoma
Insurance claims usually start with you or your attorney notifying the person who is responsible for your injuries, and their insurance company, that you intend to file a claim. This can sometimes help to get your claim settled quickly.
You must then take time to do the following:
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Gather the evidence needed to prove that the other party is liable for the accident in which you were injured.
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Have your injuries thoroughly evaluated and get a full doctor’s prognosis.
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Determine a value for your injury claim.
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Write a demand letter to send to the responsible parties insurance company.
Once you have accomplished these four tasks, you will be ready to begin negotiating with the insurance company to settle your claim.
Negotiating With an Insurance Company in Oklahoma
Settling an insurance claim is a lot like negotiating a deal with a used car dealer. Both sides have a good idea of what your claim is worth. You know how much you are willing to accept and the insurance company knows how much (or how little) they want to pay. But, neither of you truly knows what the other is thinking.
So, to arrive at a figure that is acceptable to both sides, you enter into a process of “back and forth,” which typically goes as follows:
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You make a formal demand for a figure that is higher than your lowest acceptable offer.
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The insurance company will then question both their liability to pay as well as the amount of your medical bills and/or damage to your property.
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You provide evidence in support of your demand.
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The insurance company counters with a really low offer and tries to settle the claim quickly, so as not to incur any further expenses.
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You counter with a demand that is less than your first demand but higher than your lowest acceptable offer.
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The insurance company increases their offer.
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You then choose to either accept this offer or counter again.
This process continues until you have reached a settlement with the insurance company or choose to file a lawsuit.
Commonly Disputed Issues in an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Claim
The most commonly disputed issues in an Oklahoma City personal injury claim are:
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Whether the policy actually covers the accident.
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Who was actually at fault for the accident and to what degree?
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The nature of your injuries – how bad you were injured, as well as, if your injuries will be permanent or long lasting and if you had any pre existing conditions at the time of the accident.
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The amount of medical treatment you have had, if it was needed and what treatment you will need in the future.
The Main Factors that Determine the Outcome of an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Claim
The main factors that will determine the outcome of your insurance claim are:
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The extent to which you can prove that the insurance company is liable.
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How well you document your injuries and property damage.
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How much you are demanding in compensation.
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How patient are to settle your claim.
Free Consultation:
Oklahoma City Personal Injury Attorney
For a free, no-risk consultation with a knowledgeable Oklahoma City personal injury attorney, call today: (405) 716-4878 (716-HURT).
If you prefer, you may send your question via e-mail using the form at the top right of this page. We’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible. Don’t wait another minute to find out what you may be owed. Call Personal Injury Law Office of Oklahoma City today!