If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. However, you may have to communicate with the defendant’s insurance company first. Here are some tips for dealing with an insurance company after an accident.
Don’t Jump at the First Settlement Offer
When you first speak to the defendant’s insurance company regarding your injury, they may try to offer you a settlement right away. It may be tempting to accept this offer, especially if you have medical bills piling up. However, the insurance company’s initial offer isn’t usually sufficient to cover all of your losses. Insurance companies care about the bottom line first and will do anything to minimize your settlement. It’s important to consult your personal injury lawyer before you accept a settlement offer.
If you deny the first settlement offer, the insurance company may begin their delay tactics. They might start ignoring your phone calls or try to postpone your claim so that you will miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Don’t fall for these tactics and continue to contact the insurer.
Say No to a Recorded Statement
During your conversation with the insurance company, they may also ask you to provide a recorded statement. Don’t agree to this. The insurance company may look for something in your statement to deny your claim. As mentioned earlier, they care about the bottom line first and will try to devalue your claim.
Capture Photos of the Accident Scene
If feasible, you should take multiple photos of the accident scene as soon as possible. For instance, if you were in a car accident, you’ll want to take photos of all the vehicles involved in the accident, nearby traffic signs, skidmarks on the road and visible injuries. These photos will prove to the insurance company that the collision did occur and who was present at the scene.
Get in Touch with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Getting injured in an accident is stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to deal with the added stress of fighting with an insurance company. That’s why it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. He or she will handle communications with the insurance company and won’t let them take advantage of you.
Schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer, like one from Unidos Legales, today.
