You’re driving peacefully; then, a crash changes everything in an instant. Medical bills start piling up, insurance adjusters call with confusing questions, and you’re left wondering what to do next.

The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your losses, but insurers often dispute fault, minimize injuries, or push lowball settlements, making a difficult time even more stressful. Protecting your rights and building a strong claim improves your chances of receiving full compensation.

Learn what to do after a crash and how an experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can fight for your best interests.

Why Acting Fast After a Car Accident is Crucial

After a collision in Oklahoma City, acting quickly increases your chances of filing a successful claim. Here’s why prompt action is crucial for your compensation:

• Preserving Evidence: Insurance companies may dispute your claim if there’s little proof to back it up. Acting immediately helps secure evidence, such as accident scene photos, witness statements, and vehicle damage before it’s lost or altered.

• Avoiding Insurance Challenges: The longer you wait to report the accident, the easier it is for the insurer to question what happened. Reporting promptly is legally required under Oklahoma Statute 47-10-107; it also strengthens your claim and prevents unnecessary disputes.

• Meeting Legal Deadlines: In Oklahoma, you only have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for compensation. Missing this deadline means losing the chance to seek compensation.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Oklahoma

If you’re involved in a vehicle collision, take the following steps to protect your right to compensation:

How an Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Maximize Compensation

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to limit their liability. Hiring an experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can level the playing field and protect your rights.

Here’s how they can help:

• Gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a clear case for liability.
• Collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to strengthen your claim.
• Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to counter low settlement offers and maximize compensation.
• Handle all communication with insurers to ensure they can’t twist your words and statements against you.
• File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement and represent you in court if needed.

Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers for Trusted Legal Guidance

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, having a qualified attorney by your side gives you the strongest chance of securing the financial recovery you need. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we handle every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, so you don’t have to take on the legal battle alone.

Don’t let the insurance company dictate your future. The sooner you have legal representation, the stronger your case will be. Contact our team today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Oklahoma follows comparative negligence doctrine when determining who is eligible for compensation after accidents and injuries. That means you can get money for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering as long as you are 50% or less at fault for a car accident.

However, the facts of the crash alone aren’t always the only factors considered when awarding compensation, whether during negotiation or at trial. Insurance companies, judges, and juries consider other factors, too, including injured motorists’ driving records.

If you’re pursuing compensation after a crash, here’s how your driving record could potentially be used against you.

The Insurance Company May Unfairly Increase Your Percentage of Fault

Establishing fault in car accidents isn’t always an exact science. Except in cases where it’s obvious that one driver is 100% at fault (i.e., a driver crashing into the back of a vehicle stopped at a red light), dividing fault between two or more drivers is often subjective and up for interpretation and debate.

Unfortunately, having a poor driving record could make your or the other driver’s insurance company more likely to assign you fault for a crash. This is especially common when it’s difficult to determine who is primarily responsible for an accident. If you have a history of accidents or traffic violations and the other driver doesn’t, you may receive the majority of blame for the crash.

You May Be Offered Less Money in a Settlement

In addition to having your potential compensation reduced by having your level of fault unfairly increased, you also may be offered less money overall by the insurance company. As with determining fault, the amount of money insurance companies initially offer injured crash victims is often subjective and doesn’t always consider their overall expenses.

Insurance companies are always looking for ways to reduce or deny claims, and a poor driving record can give them an excuse to offer you as little money as possible—even if you’re eligible for compensation based on fault.

It Could Affect a Jury Verdict if Your Case Goes to Court

Most car accident claims in Oklahoma settle long before they end up in a courtroom before a judge and jury. However, if the insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement, going to court is the last and best option for getting the compensation you deserve. During a trial, evidence is presented from both sides, and that may include your driving record.

Even if your driving record has nothing to do with the accident that you’re seeking compensation for, it could still affect the jury’s decision and the amount of money you’re awarded. If the judge and jury believe you’re a dangerous driver, you may receive less money—even if they think you’re not the majority at fault for the crash at hand.  

What Shows Up on a Driving Record in Oklahoma and For How Long?

Driving records for Oklahoma drivers contain a lot of information and can be accessed by insurance companies, employers, and law enforcement agencies. If your driving record is pulled, it may contain the following information:

• License Status: Current status of your driver’s license (valid, suspended, revoked, etc.).
• Traffic Violations: Any moving violations, such as speeding tickets, running red lights, and other traffic infractions. Minor traffic violations generally stay on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction.
• Accidents: Details of any traffic accidents you have been involved in, including the date and location of the accident. Information about accidents usually stays on your record for three years.
• Points: The points assigned to your record for various traffic violations. Oklahoma uses a point system to track driving behavior. Points from traffic violations typically remain on your record for five years from the date of conviction.
• DUI/DWI: Any convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) remain on your driving record for ten years.
• License Actions: Any administrative actions taken against your license, such as suspensions, revocations, or reinstatements. These typically stay on your record for three years after the suspension or revocation period ends.
• Completion of Driver Improvement Programs: Records of any completed driver education or improvement courses, if applicable.
• Court Orders: Any court-ordered restrictions or conditions related to your driving privileges.

Some serious offenses, such as vehicular manslaughter, may stay on your record permanently. It’s important to note that while this information may drop off your public driving record after a certain period, it may still be accessible to certain entities, such as law enforcement or the courts, for a longer period or indefinitely.

Let Our Oklahoma City Auto Accident Lawyers Protect Your Rights

After a crash, the only things that should matter concerning who gets compensation are who was at fault in this specific accident. Unfortunately, driving records often have an influence in determining who was at fault and, thus, who is eligible for compensation and how much.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we can help you in three important ways.

• First, we can ensure your level of fault, if any, is fairly assigned after a crash.
• Second, we can protect your rights to compensation if the insurance company decides to use your previous driving record against you.
• Finally, we can calculate your total damages and aggressively negotiate or even take your case to trial to help you get every penny you’re owed.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our Oklahoma City car accident attorneys have the experience you need to win your car accident claim.

It’s not always easy to separate fact from fiction after a crash. Because car accidents are so sudden, jarring, and painful, many people struggle to remember exactly what happened. To make matters worse, trying to file an injury claim is also often filled with uncertainty due to pervasive myths about car accident claims.

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, it’s important to know what’s truth and what’s myth. In this blog, we clear up five of the most common myths about car accident claims.

Myth 1: You Don’t Need a Lawyer if You Have Insurance

Reality: While having auto insurance is required for all drivers in Oklahoma, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to prioritize their interests over their customers. They often reduce payouts to their customers or even deny their claims altogether.

In addition, it’s likely that the other driver’s insurance will be even less likely to pay you fair compensation than yours. There’s also a good chance that the other driver will have too little insurance to cover your bills or even no insurance at all.

Having a lawyer on your side is one of the best ways to force the insurance companies to play fair after a crash. When injured victims have experienced legal representation, insurance companies know they can’t use their normal tactics and, instead, they need to come to the negotiation table.

Myth 2: Quick Settlements Are Always the Best Option

Reality: Fast settlements may seem appealing, but they can be detrimental in the long run. Rushing into an agreement without assessing the full extent of your injuries and damages can leave you undercompensated. Patience is key—a lawyer can help you evaluate the true worth of your claim.

Furthermore, an experienced and client-focused lawyer will never pressure you to accept a settlement that is less than you deserve. There’s nothing more disheartening for injured crash victims than to accept a settlement only to later realize they need more money.

Because car accident settlements are “one-and-done” and victims lose the right to ask for more money later after accepting, it’s always better to wait longer for a bigger and more fair settlement.

Myth 3: Minor Injuries Don’t Require Treatment or Legal Action

Reality: Even seemingly minor injuries can have lasting effects on your life. Some injuries manifest days or weeks after the accident. Consulting with a doctor and a lawyer ensures that you’re aware of all potential medical repercussions and receive proper compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The shock of a crash and the ensuing release of adrenaline can hide things like severe pain caused by injuries that can make working difficult or impossible. It’s common for victims to try and “tough it out” after crashes that didn’t seem bad at first, only to later realize they’re in excruciating pain or even have internal organ damage.

It’s important to see a doctor right away after a crash. After getting treatment, the next step should be consulting an experienced law firm. The longer you wait to talk to a lawyer, the longer your wait to get compensation.

Myth 4: The Legal Process Is Lengthy and Exhausting

Reality: While legal proceedings can take time, experienced attorneys streamline the process. They handle the paperwork, negotiations, and court appearances, taking much of the stress of your claim off your shoulders.

If you’re worried about going to trial, you aren’t alone. Many injured victims forgo filing car accident claims because they’re afraid they’ll end up in court. However, very few car accident claims go to trial. That’s because it’s advantageous for both parties to settle before trial.

And if your case goes to trial, you don’t have a thing to worry about. Your lawyer will prepare you for everything you’ll encounter in and out of the courtroom.

Myth 5: You Can’t File a Claim if You’re Partially at Fault

Reality: In Oklahoma, you can pursue a car accident claim even if you are partially at fault due to the state’s comparative negligence rule. This means you can seek compensation for your injuries and damages as long as you are not found to be more than 49% at fault for the accident.

Sometimes, fault isn’t correctly assigned. That means it’s still a good idea to speak with a lawyer if you are ruled as being 50% or more at fault for a crash.

The police officer may have wrongfully assigned fault to you at the scene based on misleading statements from witnesses or the other driver. And if you’re less than 51% at fault, your lawyer may be able to reduce your level of fault, which can increase the amount of compensation you can receive.

Our Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we know there’s no shortage of myths surrounding car accidents and car accident claims. These five myths are some of the most common we hear, but they’re by no means all of them!

If you have questions or concerns after a crash, or if you already know you need legal representation, our Oklahoma City auto accident attorneys are ready to hear your story. Contact us anytime for a free case review.

As we approach the holiday season, many of us will be hitting the road to join loved ones for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. But with increased travel comes the potential for accidents and, unfortunately, the inevitable aftermath of negotiating with insurance companies. 

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident while traveling this Thanksgiving, the Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers are here to provide a few pointers on what to watch out for when negotiating with insurance companies.

Insurance Companies are Required to Act in Good Faith

Negotiating with an insurance company can be difficult for the uninitiated, especially when dealing with injuries and mounting medical bills. The good news for those injured in Oklahoma is that, under Title 36 (Oklahoma Insurance Code), insurance companies are required by law to act in “good faith and fair dealing” with all claimants. 

The Oklahoma Department of Insurance also emphasizes transparency. Insurance companies must provide a clear explanation for any compensation denial or reduction.

What this means is that an insurance company cannot just deny your personal injury claim without reason, delay payments, or offer you significantly less than what is fair and just. However, remember, insurance companies are in the business of making money, and sometimes that can clash with what is fair for you.

Pitfalls to Avoid When Negotiating with Insurance Companies

First and foremost, understanding the pitfalls to avoid when negotiating with insurance companies is half the battle. Here are some things to be mindful of:

• Undervaluing Your Claim: It is common for insurance adjusters to initially offer a lower settlement amount. They expect you to negotiate. Do not just accept the first offer. Compare it to your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages to ensure that the amount is sufficient to cover your losses and compensate for your pain and suffering and other noneconomic losses.

Case in point: In the case of Doe v. Big Insurance Co., the claimant accepted the first settlement offer without considering future medical treatments. The result? The claimant was left with huge bills and no recourse.

• Giving Recorded Statements: The insurance adjuster might sound friendly over the phone, but always be cautious. Anything you say can be used against you to diminish your claim. It is always best to consult with an Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer before giving any statements to any representative of the liable insurance company.

• Signing Without Understanding: Read every document you receive from the insurance company thoroughly. Sometimes, insurers include language that waives your right to sue or pursue further compensation later. If you are unsure about something, get legal advice before you sign.

• Missing Deadlines: Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations that applies to most personal injury claims. If you wait too long to settle your claim or file a lawsuit, you might miss out on your chance for compensation altogether.

• Not Keeping Records: Keep every receipt, bill, and record related to the accident and your injuries. Whether it be medical bills or a simple towing bill, every little piece can add up and should be considered in your claim.

Case in Point: In Smith v. Oklahoma Travel Insure Co. , the claimant missed out on a significant sum because she did not keep a record of her physiotherapy bills.

• Not Understanding Your Rights Under the Law: Oklahoma follows the doctrine of “comparative negligence” in personal injury claims. This means that even if you are found partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is not more than 50%, albeit at an amount reduced by your percentage of fault. The insurance company will be eager to shift some blame onto you to reduce their payout. Therefore, you should always consult with a lawyer before admitting any fault.

• Not Consulting a Lawyer: A seasoned personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma City knows the local legal landscape and the tactics employed by insurance companies. They can guide you through the legal process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you get fair compensation.

Negotiating with insurance companies is never a walk in the park, but with knowledge on their side, and by enlisting the assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer, Oklahoma City residents (and those just visiting for the holiday) can avoid the pitfalls in Thanksgiving personal injury claims and ensure they get what they deserve. 

Contact an Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Thanksgiving Travel Injury Claim

The holiday festivities tend to increase the risk of certain accidents like car accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, and burn injuries. Negotiating with insurance companies after such an accident is not just about getting what you deserve; it is about ensuring that you do not have to pay the cost for someone else’s negligence. 

During this holiday season, be savvy, stay alert, and do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you or a loved one suffers a Thanksgiving travel injury in Oklahoma City, do not hesitate to reach out to Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

After a car crash that leaves you injured, you just want to rest and focus on your recovery. The last thing you want is to be bombarded with phone calls—especially when they’re from the insurance company.

But insurance companies are notorious for calling non-stop after accidents and injuries, especially after victims have either already filed claims or if they’re likely eligible for big settlements.

Make no mistake—no matter how friendly and sympathetic the insurance adjuster is, he or she isn’t working for you. Instead, they are working to protect company profits, and that’s often accomplished by getting victims to accept lowball settlements or even to admit fault.

Sometimes, they even accomplish those goals over the phone! Be wary if informed a call is being recorded.

If you were recently hurt in a crash and are getting calls from the insurance company, here’s what to do.

Get a Lawyer to Represent Your Claim

There’s no step more effective in ending unwanted insurance company calls to your home or cell phone than to get a lawyer. With a lawyer on your side, the insurance company is required to go through them in order to reach you.

Not only will you no longer be bothered while you’re trying to get better and spend time with your family, but you also won’t have to worry about the insurance company pulling underhanded tactics to avoid paying you. Instead, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your lawyer is protecting your rights during every phone call and throughout every point of contact with the adjuster.

Stick to the Facts

Even if you get a lawyer, you will have to personally speak to your own auto insurance company at least once. This most commonly happens immediately after a crash, as auto insurers require notification of accidents within a matter of days, regardless of who was at fault.

When speaking with the insurance company, stick to the facts of what happened. Answer any questions honestly, but don’t volunteer additional information.

Above all, don’t admit fault—even if you think you might have partially caused the crash. Admitting fault can make it extremely difficult for you to get compensation even if evidence later proves you weren’t at fault.

Tell Your Lawyer About Any Communication Attempts from the Insurance Company

Insurance companies don’t always respect the legal process when injured victims hire lawyers. Although they’re supposed to communicate with victims who have legal representation solely through their lawyers, it’s not uncommon for them to still call, email, text, or send letters to claimants. Sometimes, they even offer settlements directly to claimants without notifying their attorneys.

Regardless of whether you get a simple text message or an actual settlement offer, you should let your attorney know right away. Not only is this a breach of protocol, but it also puts you at risk of having your legal rights violated and even losing your chance at a fair settlement if you accept the insurance company’s offer without your lawyer reviewing it first.

Let Us Give You Peace of Mind After a Crash

It’s important to know that insurance companies are always out to make money, whether they represent the driver who injured you in a crash or they’re the company you’ve paid premiums to for decades.

When settlements are on the line, they will do whatever it takes to avoid paying innocent victims fair compensation, and that often includes twisting victims’ words and recording their statements to be used against them.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma car accident lawyers have years of experience handling all aspects of crash claims for our clients, including all communication with the insurance company. You don’t have to worry about how you’ll handle the insurance company’s calls after contacting us, because we’ll handle all calls for you. Reach out to our firm today for a free consultation.

When it comes to getting compensation after a serious auto accident, most people are concerned about their medical bills and lost wages. Medical bills can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if you need surgery and a prolonged stay in the hospital. Lost wages can also add up quickly, and victims often find it difficult to stay on top of their living expenses when they aren’t getting paid.

However, vehicle property damage can also be a major cost. Many Oklahomans rely on their vehicles to get to work, take their kids to school, and to accomplish daily errands, including attending medical appointments. They may not have another vehicle, and they may not have enough money to repair their vehicle after it’s damaged in an accident.

Property damage claims can be filed alongside injury claims after auto accidents to pay for vehicle repairs or even a replacement. However, can people file property damage claims if they already have collision coverage under their own auto insurance policy?

You Can File Your Property Damage Claim Against Your Policy or the At-Fault Driver’s Policy

If you have a collision coverage insurance policy, you can choose to file your claim against it or against the driver’s liability coverage policy.

Reasons to file against your own coverage:

• Oklahoma law prohibits insurance companies from raising rates on policies for victims who weren’t at fault for their crashes.
• You may have an easier time getting compensation for your vehicle repairs, but this isn’t a guarantee—especially if you were assigned some degree of fault for the crash.
• You don’t have to worry about how much property damage coverage the other driver has or even whether they are insured.
• You may get more money with less hassle depending on how much collision coverage you purchased.

Reasons to file against the other driver’s coverage:

• You don’t have to pay your deductible. Instead, the other driver’s liability coverage will pay your property damage settlement up to the driver’s coverage limit.
• You may be able to negotiate for more money if you’re already suing them for other economic and non-economic damages, as your attorney will be able to negotiate your property damage claim alongside everything else.
• You may be able to get a rental vehicle paid for by the other driver’s policy while yours is being repaired or replaced, even if you don’t have the same perk with your own policy.
• You can always file a claim against your own coverage if the other driver’s insurance company denies your claim.

Regardless of which policy you decide to file your claim against, you still need to notify your own insurer of the accident within a short timeframe, even if you’re filing a claim against the other driver’s insurer. Call them and report the accident ASAP.

If you wait too long, it can jeopardize your chances of getting any compensation through your own policy if needed, whether it’s through your collision coverage, your MedPay coverage, or your uninsured driver coverage.

Unsure How to Process with Your Property Damage Claim? We Can Help.

Every auto accident is unique, and so are the damages claims that follow when victims need compensation. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma auto accident attorneys can help you maximize your chances of getting every penny you’re owed for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repair costs.

First, we’ll determine exactly how damaged your vehicle was during the crash. Then, we’ll review your auto insurance policy, including your collision coverage, and compare it to the other driver’s liability coverage to find out which policy may give you the best deal.

Finally, we’ll negotiate to get you a fair settlement. Remember—just because you’re filing a claim against your own policy doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a settlement without a lawyer. Insurers can and do deny their own policyholders all the time. It’s our goal to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

When it comes to great fuel efficiency, fast acceleration, responsive handling, and overall “cool” factor, it’s hard to beat a motorcycle. But riding a motorcycle is fraught with danger. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles have no safety features, and it’s up to riders to protect themselves with helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and boots.

To make matters worse, motorcyclists face dangers not just on the road, but also after crashes. That’s because insurance companies are notorious for reducing or denying their claims. As soon as they find out that a claimant was riding a motorcycle, whether they represent the rider or the other driver, their biases kick in, and that means riders rarely get a fair shake.

In this blog, we discuss why insurance companies give unfair treatment to motorcyclists and what their options are after accidents.

Insurance Companies Believe the Stereotypes about Riders

Most motorcyclists are safe, responsible people. But for decades, the outliers have created an image that fills popular consciousness and unfortunately follows all riders, regardless of their behavior on the road. From leather jackets and bar fights to “crotch rockets” and wheelies, the reckless side of motorcycle culture means that ALL riders face consequences when they get injured.

Insurance companies also know that judges and juries may believe the same stereotypes. That means they’re more likely to treat injured motorcyclists poorly without fear of their claims going to trial. They believe that the “court of public opinion” is against riders, which means that juries will be more likely to rule against injured motorcyclists or side with insurance companies who say riders are at fault for their injuries.

These Stereotypes Mean Insurers Are More Skeptical About Motorcycle Claims

People aren’t always driven solely by facts. Emotions and preconceived notions come into play when processing information, and insurance adjusters are no exception to this rule. So, when insurance adjusters are assigned to motorcycle accident claims, they often make up their minds right away that the motorcyclists were either fully or partially at fault—even when evidence shows otherwise.

Assigning fault is the most important part of personal injury claims. Oklahoma is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that riders can still get compensation for crashes provided they’re less than 51% at fault. But every percentage of fault that riders are assigned means less money in their pockets for medical bills and lost wages.

And while the fault for the crash is typically assigned via the responding police officer’s accident report, insurance companies are free to make up their minds about who is at fault after a crash. That means that even if a motorcyclist is found to be free from all fault, or only slightly at fault, the insurance company and adjuster can claim they are fully at fault by refusing to pay their claim.

An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights

Motorcycle accidents are traumatic and painful enough as-is. And it can be a slap in the face to find out that an insurance company that’s supposed to help you is reducing or denying your claim because they believe you’re reckless. When this happens, many injured motorcyclists are tempted to give up.

At Parrish DeVaughn, our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers can take your claim and protect your rights to full compensation. We won’t let the insurance company’s biases deny you the money you’re owed. We’ll collect evidence that proves you weren’t at fault for the crash, and we’ll ensure that they know what the evidence says—especially when it flies in the face of their biases.

Contact us today for a free consultation. You’ve been through enough already, and you need an experienced legal advocate who can take the stress of the crash and your injury claim off your shoulders.

When most people picture a car accident, they think of two vehicles colliding—and usually due to one of the drivers being reckless or breaking the law. When that happens, the injured driver can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for their crash-related expenses.

But did you know that single-vehicle crashes account for a large percentage of crashes, including many that result in serious injuries and even death? But unlike multi-vehicle crashes, people who are injured in single-vehicle accidents are often far less likely to pursue compensation, as they may be unaware that it’s even an option! But with an experienced car accident attorney, getting compensation for your injuries in a single-car accident is still possible.

Who Can You Get Damages From After a Single-Car Crash?

Just because no other vehicles were involved in your accident doesn’t mean you can’t file a damage claim against another party. In fact, many single-car accidents are caused by someone other than the victim. Possible liable parties after a single-vehicle accident include:

• A driver in another vehicle—Your vehicle doesn’t have to be physically struck by another vehicle for you to file a claim against another driver. For example, single-vehicle crashes can occur when drivers are run off the road or forced to suddenly swerve due to reckless and negligent drivers, even when there is no physical contact between the vehicles.
• The driver of the vehicle you were riding in—Whether you were riding on public transportation, in a cab, a rideshare vehicle, or even a vehicle owned by someone you know, you can file a compensation claim if they crashed due to negligence and you were injured.
• The manufacturer of your vehicle or one of its components—Sometimes crashes are caused by vehicle parts malfunctioning. Parts that can suddenly fail and cause crashes include tires, brakes, steering columns, accelerators, and more. When that happens, manufacturers can be held liable.
• A governmental body tasked with ensuring road safety—Roads are supposed to be safe for drivers, and if they aren’t safe, they should be closed or made safer via detours, signage, or the installation of guard rails. When state and local governments or road crews fail to protect drivers, they can be considered responsible when crashes occur.
• Your own insurance—Some single-car accidents are random events that no one could predict or prevent. Common examples include trees or tree limbs falling on vehicles or wild animals running into the path of vehicles. When unforeseen events like that occur and drivers are injured, they may be eligible to get compensation from their own insurance policies.

Unsure of who might be held liable after a single-vehicle accident that injured you or someone you love? Our Oklahoma City auto accident attorneys are here to help. We have years of experience assisting injured victims after crashes, whether they were multi-car pileups or single-vehicle accidents.

We Help Single-Vehicle Accident Victims Get Maximum Compensation

Statistics show that there are tens of thousands of crashes annually in Oklahoma, and a significant number of those involve just one vehicle. We believe those people shouldn’t be denied the money they deserve just because there isn’t another damaged vehicle at the crash scene.

We work hard to collect all the evidence to help crash victims get a fair shake at compensation, even when it looks like their chances of getting money are slim. Contact us today for a free consultation and to find out how our lawyers can fight to protect your rights.

Insurance companies spend a lot of money trying to convince the general public that they care about their customers and are more than ready to pay when you finally need them. But at the same time, those insurance companies report huge profits year after year. How is it possible for those companies to be so profitable if they’re generously giving their customers big checks for every accident and injury they suffer?

Simple answer: they aren’t writing big checks. Insurance companies are hugely profitable because they don’t pay all of their policyholders the money they’re supposed to receive. In fact, insurers have teams of employees called adjusters whose primary job is to find ways to reduce or deny legitimate claims. The result is that countless people in Oklahoma and throughout the U.S. pay thousands of dollars in insurance premiums and monthly rates, only to have those companies turn their backs on them when they need them the most.

Here’s How Insurance Companies Get Away With Not Paying Fair Settlements

Insurance companies have been around for a long time. They’ve perfected methods of protecting their profits at all costs, and it typically happens at the expense of their own customers. Here’s how they do it:

• They offer “lowball” settlements right away—Adjusters know that people need money immediately after car accidents and personal injuries. And when people are facing big medical bills and weeks or months away from work, they’re in desperate need for money immediately. When insurance companies know they may be on the hook for a big settlement, they’ll instead offer a much lower settlement right away and with no hassle. And when injured victims accept, they forfeit their rights to pursue additional compensation, even when the initial offer runs out way too soon.
• They use loopholes and legalese to their advantage—Signing insurance papers when you initially purchase a policy can be a labor-intensive and intimidating process. Unless you have a lawyer by your side, you may not understand exactly what you’re reading. But when you sign on the dotted line, you’re bound by those terms and conditions, many of which come as a complete surprise when you decide to file a claim. A single line or phrase in your insurance documentation can make you ineligible for a single penny after an accident or injury.
• They twist victims’ words against them—Talking to the insurance company on the phone or via email is often a trap. Adjusters are trained to act friendly and helpful, but in reality, they’re often mining for potentially incriminating statements that can be used against you. The more you talk to the insurance company, the more likely it is that they’ll find something, even if they must take it out of context, to make your claim to a settlement null and void.
• They deny liability—When evidence is circumstantial or somewhat lacking, or when there’s dispute over who is at fault, insurance companies representing the injury-causing parties may flatly deny that their clients were at fault for accidents and injuries. By doing so, they leave the burden of proof up to injured victims. That can make it extremely difficult or even impossible for many victims to get compensation on their own, as they find themselves going up against a brick wall of adjusters, lawyers, and corporate bureaucracy.
• They stalk victims to gather “incriminating” evidence—A sticking point for many injury claims is the seriousness of the injuries themselves. If an insurance company believes that a victim is exaggerating or falsifying their injuries, they will deny their claim outright. That leads to some insurers going overboard to find “evidence” that proves injuries aren’t as serious as victims claim. For example, they may scour victims’ social media to find pictures or status updates that indicate physical activity, or they may even drive by their homes hoping to see them doing yardwork or other activities.
• They ignore victims—If you’ve ever needed to call a big corporation for help, whether it was to rebook an airline ticket or get a refund, you know how helpless you can feel when you can’t get through to a human or get anyone to call you back. Insurance companies know this is a frustrating experience for accident victims, too, and they use it to their advantage. Simply put—they often hope that potential claimants will get frustrated and give up on getting compensation for their injury-related expenses.

These are just a few of the tactics insurance companies use to protect their profits. But one thing all of those tactics have in common is that they’re all well-known and easily overcome by experienced lawyers.

Don’t Fall Victim to a Greedy Insurance Company That Doesn’t Live Up to Its Duty

Whether you’re pursuing a claim against your own insurance company or the insurance company of someone who injured you, it’s essential to have a team of Oklahoma personal injury lawyers on your side from day one. Insurance companies feel confident when they know they’re going up against an individual, but they dread going up against injured victims who have the backing of an experienced law firm like Parrish DeVaughn.

We don’t let insurance companies get away with ignoring, manipulating, or taking advantage of our clients, and we won’t let it happen to you, either. Contact us today for a free consultation. It’s our goal to get you every penny you deserve.

At Parrish DeVaughn, we know that many injured accident victims are conflicted about how to pay their expenses. They need compensation for their medical bills and lost wages, but they’re hesitant to file compensation claims because they’re worried about the impact their claim will have on others—especially if the at-fault party is their friend, family member, coworker, employer, or even their doctor.

The word “lawsuit” has negative connotations in many people’s minds, and it can seem aggressive and even vindictive. However, filing a personal injury claim is a necessary step for many injured victims, and it rarely involves “punishing” the person or party who was at fault. Instead, it’s about getting compensation for accident-related expenses in a manner that allows both parties to move forward.

We’ll Take on the Insurance Company on Your Behalf

In most personal injury claims, injured victims get compensation from the insurance providers of the at-fault parties. For example, car accident victims are typically paid via the insurers of the people who caused the accidents. That’s why almost all states have minimum auto insurance requirements. Other examples of mandatory insurance include workers’ compensation insurance, medical malpractice insurance, and property insurance.

However, just because insurance companies are the source of compensation in most injury claims doesn’t mean they’re easy to deal with. Insurance companies often report big annual profits, and they don’t make their money by quickly and easily paying victims the settlements they deserve. Having an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer on your side can help you maximize your chances of getting full compensation.

We Want to Investigate Your Claim and Protect Your Rights

Although most personal injury claims hone-in on the insurance providers of the at-fault parties, sometimes victims can be compensated in other ways. For example, victims may file claims against their own insurance, especially in cases where at-fault parties are uninsured or underinsured. In addition, punitive damages can allow victims to recover compensation directly from at-fault parties if they intentionally caused accidents or harm.

It’s important to have an experienced legal team on your side from the beginning to maximize your chances of getting the money you deserve. Don’t wait to let us start building your claim—the statute of limitations starts expiring the day your injury occurs. Contact us today for a free consultation.