If you’ve been hurt in a crash, our attorneys can help make things right
After a car accident in Oklahoma, most people file a claim with an insurance company to recover compensation for the damages they suffered. But insurers are for-profit businesses focused on protecting their bottom line, not your best interests.
At Lawter & Associates Attorneys at Law PLLC, our car accident lawyers have witnessed firsthand how insurance companies attempt to minimize injuries and deny full compensation to accident victims in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and throughout the state. If you’ve been hurt, it’s important to understand their tactics – and how an experienced attorney can help you fight back.
Here are five common ways insurance companies try to downplay your injuries after an accident and what you need to know to protect your rights after a crash:
1. Disputing the Severity of Your Injury
Insurance adjusters often argue that your injury isn’t as serious as you claim. They may suggest your pain is exaggerated or temporary, especially if your injuries don’t immediately show up on an X-ray or MRI. This is particularly common with soft tissue injuries such as whiplash or a back strain, which can be painful and debilitating but aren’t always visible through standard diagnostic imaging. Don’t let them dismiss your symptoms – document everything, follow your treatment plan, and consult an attorney as soon as possible.
2. Using Gaps in Medical Treatment Against You
One of the first things insurers look for is a delay or gap in medical treatment. If you didn’t go to the doctor right away, or if you missed follow-up appointments, they might argue that you weren’t really injured or that your condition isn’t related to the accident. The truth is that many car accident injuries take time to surface, and symptoms may be delayed. Still, insurers will try to use this against you. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical care promptly and keep detailed records of every visit.
3. Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions
Another tactic is to blame your injury on a pre-existing condition. If you’ve ever had back pain, joint problems, or any past injury, the insurance company might argue that your current pain isn’t from the accident but from something that happened years ago. While it’s true that past injuries can complicate claims, Oklahoma law allows accident victims to recover compensation when an accident aggravates an existing condition. A skilled lawyer can help prove that your injuries were caused – or worsened – by the crash.
4. Pressuring You to Give a Recorded Statement
Soon after the accident, you may receive a call from the insurance company asking for a recorded statement. They might say it’s just routine, but their real goal is to get you to say something they can use against you later. Even innocent comments like “I’m feeling okay” can be twisted to imply you weren’t seriously hurt. You have the right to decline a recorded statement. Simply say that you would like to speak with an attorney first, then get legal advice.
5. Offering a Quick, Lowball Settlement
Finally, insurers often offer quick settlements before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. The problem is that these offers are almost always too low to cover your long-term medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Once you accept a settlement from an insurance company, you typically can’t go back and ask for more, even if your condition gets worse. That’s why it is always a good idea to have a lawyer review any settlement offer before you accept.
Contact an experienced Oklahoma car accident attorney today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Oklahoma, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. At Lawter & Associates Attorneys at Law PLLC, we’ve been standing up to insurance companies for decades and know what it takes to get meaningful results for crash victims.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation today and learn how we can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
“The experience I had with them was phenomenal. From the 1st day of my accident to the last day of my healing process, they took care of everything. I had no worries, and it was a stress-free process. I would recommend them to anyone.” – Angela J., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐