Insurance companies are not out to protect you. Instead, they want to get away with paying you the least amount possible when you've been injured in a car accident. Learn how an attorney can help you protect your rights.
If you’ve been hurt, it’s a common thought that your insurance company is there to protect you. In theory, this can be true, but there are also several guidelines you should follow about how to communicate and what to say to an insurance company. Don’t shortchange yourself by giving the insurance company the benefit of the doubt.
Beware the First Settlement Offer
There’s a lot of money in the insurance industry. A lot of that money is spent on advertising that leads you to believe that the insurance industry is in your corner, but their first line of business is to make a profit. This doesn’t mean that they try to pull the wool over your eyes on every claim, but do be aware tha
t their ultimate goal is to make money.
As a result, many claims representatives have years of experience in figuring out the best possible approach, from the insurance company perspective, for a first settlement offer. It’s in their best interest to lowball you because they know you are vulnerable and likely facing some financial challenges after the accident. Don’t fall for the bait. The chances are very low that their simple calculation is accurate when you take into consideration all the damages and injuries you have suffered.
Proceed Cautiously on Medical Expense Claims
Seek an attorney immediately after a car accident if seriously injured.Some insurance companies save money by arguing that some of your injuries were caused not by the accident, but by a pre-existing condition. For example, if you skipped an emergency room visit, the company is more likely to say that your injuries must not be that serious or that you have trumped them up post-accident.
The insurance company could use a variety of tactics to allege this, some of which are very subtle. That’s why you need to obtain a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident, so that you know what to expect and so that you have a better chance of being fairly compensated for your accident and injuries.
Don’t Give Up if You’re Ignore
An insurance company might ignore your phone call to try and tempt you into taking the settlement offer. The theory behind this is if they force you to get more nervous about your finances, you’ll just cave in and take the settlement offer so that you have compensation in hand sooner rather than later. Don’t let them cheat you out of what you deserve or try to back you into a corner. This is also another reason why it’s so critical to have an experienced attorney to help you so that you are not cheated.
Don’t Sign Papers Right Away
Your insurance company might make the post-accident process so easy ... just sign some papers, send them in, and your claim will be processed. Read the fine print, and better yet, ensure that everything you think about signing has been fully reviewed by your attorney. Remember that the insurance companies have a lot of practice in setting up paperwork and claims to their advantage. You need to even the playing field by hiring your own representation.
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Guide for Texas Car Accident Victims
Make sure you have someone on your side if you have been injured in a car accident. The insurance company is using all their resources to ensure their interests, and you can do yourself a big favor by hiring a lawyer to fight for your rights, too. If you have been seriously injured, or experienced a loved one losing their life in a tragic automobile accident, consult Kay Van Wey. She will support you and stand up to insurance companies. She has the experience needed to make sure justice is served. Free consultations available for serious injuries.
Be sure to grab Kay's free resource for even more detailed information on how to protect yourself if you are involved in a major car accident.
