The recent severe winter weather in Oklahoma has led to numerous vehicle crashes, creating a surge in insurance claims and overwhelming body shops. This has resulted in significant delays for drivers seeking repairs and claim processing. Local experts, including Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready and Jeff Beck from Beck’s Garage, offer valuable insights and advice on navigating these challenges. They stress the importance of safety, preparedness, and patience as drivers deal with the aftermath of the storm, while the increased volume of crashes continues to strain resources across the state.
Immediate Safety Measures
In the aftermath of a vehicle crash, ensuring the safety of those involved is the top priority for drivers. Glen Mulready, the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner, emphasizes the importance of immediately moving vehicles out of harm’s way to prevent further accidents or injuries from occurring. As the adverse weather conditions cause the roads to ice over, the likelihood of secondary crashes significantly increases, making it imperative for drivers to relocate their vehicles.
Jeff Beck from Beck’s Garage echoes this sentiment, urging drivers to focus on their immediate safety before worrying about the extent of damage to their vehicles. Ensuring no one is hurt and that the vehicle is moved to a safer location should take precedence over any other concerns. Beck points out that the chaotic scene of an accident can be disorienting, and a calm and measured approach can mitigate further risks. It can be challenging to think clearly in a crisis, but staying composed can make a significant difference in avoiding additional harm.
Preparedness for Winter Weather
Being prepared for severe winter weather conditions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, and it starts with having the right supplies on hand. Drivers are encouraged to maintain essential emergency supplies in their vehicles at all times, such as blankets, food, water, and a first-aid kit. These can prove invaluable in the event of being stranded or facing long delays on the road.
Understanding basic safety protocols for driving in winter conditions is equally important. For instance, knowing how to handle skidding or loss of control on icy roads can help drivers navigate treacherous conditions more effectively. Driving slowly, increasing the following distance, and avoiding sudden stops or turns are just a few critical practices. Equipping vehicles with winter tires and regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth are additional proactive steps that can enhance safety during the winter months.
Navigating Insurance Claims
The influx of claims due to the surge in vehicle accidents has led to notable delays in the processing of insurance claims. Mulready advises drivers to be patient and understand that the high volume of claims being handled by insurance companies and adjusters is causing these delays. Drivers can mitigate some of the frustration by being prepared with all necessary documentation and promptly reporting accidents.
For minor damages, Mulready suggests getting an estimate from a body shop before deciding to file a claim. This can help drivers determine if it is worth navigating the potentially lengthy insurance process or if it would be more practical to handle the repairs out-of-pocket. With many insurers already overwhelmed with claims, this step could save drivers time and effort. In some cases, minor damages might not affect the overall functionality of the vehicle, allowing for repairs to be scheduled at a more convenient time.
Body Shop Workload
Body shops across Oklahoma, including Beck’s Garage, are grappling with a surge in demand for their services following the winter storm. The increase in vehicular damage has led to longer waiting times for repairs. As shops work diligently to manage the increased workload, customers may find themselves facing extended timelines before their vehicles are fully repaired and roadworthy again.
Beck advises customers to be patient and understand that body shops are doing their best to accommodate everyone during this time. The high volume of repairs needed means that it may take longer than usual to get vehicles back on the road. Beck’s team, like many others across the state, is working overtime to address the backlog. However, the sheer number of cases to be handled ensures that delays are unavoidable.
Patience and Perspective
Both Mulready and Beck stress the importance of maintaining patience and composure throughout the insurance and repair process. The delays experienced are an unavoidable consequence of severe weather and the resulting increase in accidents. Understanding this reality can help drivers manage their expectations and approach the situation with a more relaxed mindset.
Beck compares handling the aftermath of winter weather accidents to parenting, advocating for a calm and measured approach. Keeping perspective and understanding that everyone involved is working towards the same goal can help drivers navigate the situation more smoothly. Knowing that the delays are not due to negligence or lack of effort on the part of insurance companies and body shops can alleviate some of the frustration.
Practical Steps for Drivers
The recent harsh winter weather in Oklahoma has caused a spike in vehicle accidents, flooding insurance companies with claims and swamping body shops with repair requests. This surge has led to considerable delays for drivers awaiting repairs and claim approvals. Local authorities such as Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready and Jeff Beck from Beck’s Garage are providing crucial guidance on how to manage these difficulties. They emphasize safety, readiness, and patience as key principles for drivers dealing with the storm’s fallout. With the increased number of crashes stretching resources across the state, taking these recommendations to heart is essential for navigating the protracted aftermath effectively. Amid this crisis, drivers are encouraged to practice safe driving habits and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained to prevent further incidents. Adhering to expert advice not only aids individual drivers but can also help alleviate the overall strain on resources throughout Oklahoma.
