Having auto insurance is a necessary aspect of recovering damages after your car accident. However, simply because you pay your insurance premiums every month does not mean that you can assume you or other drivers’ insurance companies will have your back or make collecting damages easily. Rather, this is often not the case.
But in order to help you deal with the insurance company after your accident, here are some quick tips:
Before speaking with any insurance company following your accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney–like those at Murphy & Garner, LLC,–so that you can better defend your rights and avoid being taken advantage of.
Nevertheless, here are a few quick tips for dealing with the insurance company after your car accident.
Things You Should Never Say To The Insurance Company
Every single insurance company is out to make a profit, which means the company will sometimes deny claims for coverage. Many times claims for coverage are denied for little to no reason whatsoever. Insurers reason that most people will just give up, or settle for less than their case is worth, as a compromise. They hope only a few people get legal assistance and recover the full value of their claim.
If the situation arises where you must speak with a car insurance company regarding an accident, you have to be very careful with what you say. You should never sign any documents from the insurance company or give a formal statement without consulting with your personal injury attorney. Some of the most innocent statements can and will be misconstrued or skewed by insurance claims adjusters. For example, you could be describing the weather at the time of your accident as “bright” or “sunny,” but the insurance company uses your statement(s) to deny coverage claiming you caused the accident while you were blinded by the sun.
Moreover, NEVER agree to make a settlement of your claim with the insurance company, verbally or in writing, without first consulting your personal injury attorney, even if they are offering you their policy limits, because you may be unknowingly giving up other claims (such as a recovery against other available insurance coverage, claims against other responsible drivers, or against your underinsured motorist coverage). Even if your case is not a “policy limits case,” the mere fact that you have an attorney representing you means that the insurance company will likely settle your claim for much more money.
Remember – once you sign a settlement (of your claim) with the insurance company, you are legally not allowed to file a lawsuit later and the insurance company will not renegotiate your agreement. Before you unknowingly give-up your right or forego needed compensation, make sure you are protected by reviewing your case with your attorney.
Things You Should Say To The Insurance Company
On the other hand, you have an affirmative obligation to contact your insurance company once you have been involved in a car accident.
When speaking with a representative of your insurance company, try to be as brief (but honest) as possible about the facts surrounding your collision. In addition, it is important that you provide your insurance company with as much information as you have on the other driver, including their name, phone number and name of their insurance provider. Before giving them a formal statement, you should discuss this with an experienced personal injury attorney. Upon retaining a personal injury attorney, refer all further questions that the insurance company may have to your lawyer who will deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident, you need the help of a qualified personal injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Murphy & Garner, LLC, have years of experience representing personal injury victims and we will fight for the compensation you deserve and need to recover from your injuries.
To set up your free consultation with a caring professional, call 678-563-1584 today or visit us online.
