It’s important to be cautious in dealing with insurance companies after an accident. Even a minor mistake can compromise your case and have a negative impact on your ability to obtain the compensation you need. While you may have a right to the compensation you’re seeking, it’s important to remember that the insurance company is a business and paying your claim will cost them money.
At the Scene of the Accident
When you’re involved in an accident, the aftermath of a car crash is extremely important in terms of what you do. The success of any claim you file with the insurance company will depend on the evidence and facts you can provide. This is why it’s important to collect names, contact information, and insurance information for everyone involved in the accident. Additionally, you should obtain contact information for witnesses at the scene. While you’re there, it’s also a good idea to take clear photos of the damages to your vehicle and other property.
Seek Legal Representation
Dealing with insurance companies rarely goes well for the average person, which is why getting an injury lawyer is usually your best move. Law firms like Fighting for You specialize in personal injury cases of all shapes and sizes and will have a team of experienced lawyers ready to take on your case. These legal advocates are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and will know how to respond to the tactics they use to delay or deny paying on a claim.
Get a Medical Evaluation as Soon as Possible
Your medical evaluation should be conducted as soon after the accident as possible. In addition to helping to identify internal injuries, this will help you establish evidence for your claim. One of the common stall tactics of insurance companies is claiming that you deliberately delayed seeking medical treatment. If they can show that you waited to get treatment, they may convince a judge that you were trying to let your crash injuries worsen. This is sometimes done in an attempt to seek a larger settlement and, if a judge suspects you of attempting this practice, he may dismiss your case.
Dealing With an Insurance Adjuster
Shortly after the accident, an insurance adjuster will contact you about settling your claim. In all likelihood, he will first offer you a quick cash settlement, which may not even be enough to cover your immediate medical care. It will also be insufficient to repair damages to your vehicle, cover the money you lost from being out of work, or compensate you for your pain and suffering. Once you accept this offer, you waive further rights to pursuing additional claims for damages.
Once you decline that initial settlement offer, the insurance adjuster will want to question you further about the accident. Alternatively, this conversation may come before the settlement offer. In either case, you should resist discussing the matter, especially if the adjuster wants to record your statements for accuracy. Anything you say can be used to deny or diminish your claim, so it’s better to refuse to let the conversation be recorded.
While insurance companies may sometimes be willing to negotiate, some companies resist compromising on their settlement offer. In these cases, it will be necessary to take the case to civil court. If you have already hired a car accident lawyer to handle negotiations, he will already be prepared to file the claim in court. This can save time in a process that will already be lengthy and it will give your lawyer the opportunity to develop a strong strategy. The sooner you bring in an experienced lawyer on your case, the better your chances for a positive outcome.