Step 1: Ensure Safety

The immediate priority after a car accident is safety. Here’s what you should do:

1. Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others involved for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately.

Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement

Even in minor accidents, it’s crucial to involve the police. Here’s why:

3. Call the Police: Dial 911 or the local non-emergency number to report the accident. Provide accurate details and follow their instructions.
4. Obtain a Police Report: The police report will document the accident’s details, which can be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims.

Step 3: Exchange Information

Exchange information with all parties involved, including:

5. Driver Information: Collect names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information from other drivers.
6. Witnesses: If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. They can provide essential statements if needed.

Step 4: Document the Scene

Gather evidence to support your claim and protect yourself from potential scams:

7. Take Photos: Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, and road conditions.
8. Write Down Details: Record a detailed account of how the accident happened while the memory is fresh.

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible:

9. Inform Your Insurer: Report the accident and provide all relevant details to your insurance company.
10. Follow Instructions: Follow your insurer’s instructions on filing a claim, including providing the police report and any other requested documents.

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation:

11. Visit a Doctor: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention helps document injuries for your insurance claim.

Step 7: Beware of Scams

Unfortunately, not everyone involved in an accident has your best interests at heart. Be cautious:

12. Avoid Quick Settlements: Don’t rush into settlements with other parties before assessing the full extent of damages and injuries.
13. Watch for Scammers: Be wary of individuals who approach you at the scene, especially if they encourage you to use a particular towing service, body shop, or medical facility.

Step 8: Understand Your Coverage

Know your insurance policy inside and out:

14. Coverage Review: Understand your coverage limits and deductibles. This knowledge will help you navigate the claims process more effectively.

Step 9: Consult an Attorney (if needed)

In complex cases or when disputes arise, consider legal assistance:

15. Legal Advice: Consult an attorney experienced in personal injury or insurance claims if necessary.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a daunting experience. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure your safety, protect your interests, and make informed decisions during a challenging time. Remember, safety and accurate documentation are your allies in safeguarding yourself against potential claims and scams. Always prioritize your well-being and follow these steps to navigate the aftermath of a car accident successfully.

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Saving Money on Auto Insurance – Auto insurance is a necessity, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This video includes 5 simple steps to saving money on Auto Insurance. We’ve also included more tips for cutting insurance costs below.

Shop Around – The easiest way to save on high risk auto insurance is shopping around. Obtain as many auto insurance coverage quotes as possible. Since there are a myriad of alternatives accessible in the insurance marketplace today, you have the luxury of comparing different rates and opting for the most affordable option.

Take Control Of Your Rates – Being in control of your rates can also help lower the cost of car insurance. Tickets as well as accidents which are no longer paid for should be taken off the coverage at the right time. Each time changes are made to your status, obtain a few quotes and compare the different rates. Perhaps, you will be able to find a plan that allows you to save.

Buy A Cheap Car – The more expensive a car is, the more you will pay in insurance premiums.

Cover Less Miles In A Year – Try to keep your mileage to the minimum. Drivers who cover less than 10,000 miles in a year are more likely to qualify for reduced insurance rates. The more time you spend on the road, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident.

Park Your Car In A Safe Area – Burglary and accidental damages are just some of the factors that can increase your insurance premiums. Cars parked inside a garage or on a driveway are less likely to be broken into or damaged which results in a 4% to 6% decline in insurance costs.

Exercise Caution While Driving – Careless driving will result in additional points in your license. As a result, you will be expected to pay more in insurance premiums. Whereas points attributed to speeding tends to remain on a driver’s license for at least 4 years, insurance companies will confirm if there have been convictions in the past 5 years prior to deleting them from your record.

Install Security Systems In Your Car – Installing security systems, for example, car alarms and anti-lock brakes in your car can also help in lowering your risks.

Avoid Making Changes to Your Car – Do not make changes to your car before informing your insurance provider. Modifications refer to anything that will alter the original specifications, for example, fitting allow rims.

Call Statewide Insurance Agency today for more information on saving money on your Oklahoma car insurance quotes, or visit us online to receive a no-obligation quote.

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1. Auto insurance: Insurers determine car insurance quotes based on many factors, one of which is your driving record. It’s no surprise that these companies prefer to insure Edmond, OK residents who drive safely and file few claims. For this reason, multiple tickets and accidents on your record can result in higher premiums. How high? A speeding ticket can raise your auto insurance quote by up to 20 percent. A more serious offense, such as reckless driving or a DUI, can cause your rate to skyrocket by up to 300 percent.
2. Life insurance: Similarly, life insurance premiums are determined by your risk of dying. An unsafe driver has a higher risk of being involved in a serious accident, which can knock you down to a less preferred tier of life insurance, complete with a premium that can be several hundred dollars more per year.
3. Credit score: If you neglect to pay a ticket, like in our example above, your credit score can take a hit. Once the bill’s deadline comes and goes, fees are slapped onto the amount you already owe. You may start getting calls from collection agencies saying that you owe a huge amount, at which point you remember that bill that you set aside for later…ten weeks ago. By then, it’s too late. Your deflated credit can affect your ability to apply for a loan, credit card or even to rent an apartment.
4. License suspension: Serious driving infractions and unpaid tickets often result in the suspension of your license. In such cases, the Oklahoma DMV can refuse to register your car, which can lead to more tickets if you continue to drive an unregistered car or with a suspended license. It’s a cyclical mess that can be difficult to get out of.
5. Hard time: Hard time in jail, that is. Unpaid tickets can result in a misdemeanor charge and a warrant for your arrest. Not to mention, a DUI can land you in the slammer that same day.
6. Professional career: Losing your license can also result in the loss of your job, particularly if your job requires driving or comes with the perk of a company car. And then when you interview for a new job, some employers will turn you away if they see a DUI or other serious violations after conducting a background check.
7. Loss of rights: A DUI or other serious violation can be classified as a felony if the incident(s) resulted in severe damage or death. Convicted felons are stripped of a number of rights, such as the right to vote, hold public office, serve on a jury, receive federal aid for higher education, travel overseas etc.
8. Adoption: Adoption agencies have different policies, but many of them will look at your driving record. A DUI or other serious violation may result in an extensive interview during the home study or may result in outright refusal of your application. The more recent the violation, the more likely it is to affect your eligibility to adopt.

To get the lowest car insurance quotes possible for Oklahoma residents, always drive with caution and respect other drivers who share the road with you. If you do happen to receive a minor ticket, pay it immediately before you have the chance to forget about it. In fact, it’s so important to drive safely that many insurers offer auto insurance discounts to safe drivers. Ask your agent if you qualify for savings today!

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Downtown Edmond Business Association

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What does Rental Car Reimbursement cover? Trevon Nix, an Independent Insurance Agent with Statewide Insurance Agency in Edmond, Oklahoma, would like to share some benefits of having this coverage added to your car insurance policy. 

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