What Documentation Do I Need for My Car Accident Claim in Oklahoma?

Getting compensation is one of your top priorities after a crash, but accomplishing that requires completing a few steps first. One of the most important steps is gathering the right documentation and presenting it to your auto insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurer.

Having the right documentation does many things for you after a crash: It helps prove that the crash happened as you say it did, that it injured you in the way you claim it did, and that other people can vouch for your statements, just to name a few.

Keep reading to learn 10 pieces of documentation you’ll need after a crash to maximize your chances of getting the full compensation you deserve.

Collect and Present These 10 Pieces of Documentation After a Crash

Most things in life require documentation, and filing a car accident claim is no exception. Thankfully, most of these pieces of documentation are either paperwork you already have or that can be obtained easily. In addition, a lawyer can help you collect these if you obtain legal representation after your crash.

To improve your chances of success and make the process as smooth as possible, be sure to collect the following:

1. Accident Report: If you called 911 to report the accident, the responding police officers will have written an accident report. Make sure to obtain a copy of the official police report, which provides important details about the crash, including the parties involved, the location, and the officer’s observations. This report can help establish fault and is often required when filing a claim with your insurer or the other party’s insurance company.
2. Driver and Vehicle Information: Ensure you collect the driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident. Additionally, gather the contact details for the other driver(s), passengers, and any witnesses to the crash.
3. Photographic Evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and relevant hazards. This visual documentation can be invaluable for proving fault and illustrating the extent of damage at the time of the crash.
4. Medical Records: Keep detailed medical records of your injuries, treatments, and prescriptions. Include hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and therapy records to support your claim. If your injuries have caused you to miss work or altered your daily activities, document this as well.
5. Repair Estimates: Collect receipts or estimates for vehicle repairs from certified mechanics or body shops. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, include documentation of its pre-accident value to support your compensation request.
6. Correspondence With the Insurance Companies: Save copies of all correspondence with your insurance company, including claim numbers, emails, letters, and records of phone calls and what was discussed on those calls. If you have communicated with the other party’s insurance provider, include those records as well.
7. Witness Statements: Secure written or recorded statements from witnesses who observed the accident. Their accounts can help corroborate your version of events and provide an unbiased perspective on what occurred.
8. Proof of Expenses: Retain receipts for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments, rental car costs, medications, or medical equipment. If you have experienced lost wages due to your injuries, include documentation from your employer.
9. Personal Notes: Write a detailed account of the accident, including the time, date, location, and what you recall happening before, during, and after the crash. Document any pain, suffering, or emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the incident.
10. Insurance Policy Information: Review and include a copy of your insurance policy. This will help you understand your coverage limits, requirements, and any steps you need to take when filing your claim.

Our Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers Can Build Your Claim From the Ground Up

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we know that the pain and stress of a crash can make it difficult or even impossible to carry out many of the steps required to file car accident claims. For many crash victims, collecting some or all of the documentation listed above may be too much for them to handle while they’re recovering from their injuries.

Whether you were able to collect all of this documentation, some of it, or none at all after your crash, know that our Oklahoma City auto accident attorneys are here for you. We’re prepared to take the hard work off your hands. When we build cases for injured victims like you, we can take over every aspect of the process, including collecting documentation, while they rest and recover.

Let us put our years of experience to work for you and your family. Contact us today for a free consultation.