By Platt Hopwood Attorneys at Law PLLC posted in Injuries on Tuesday, August 2, 2016.
More things to look out for when dealing with your insurer
In our last post, we talked about some little-known facts that insurance companies hide from drivers who have been involved in accidents. Whether the crash was partially your fault or completely caused by another driver, it is essential that you understand this: The insurance company is on its own side, not yours.
Knowledge is power, and we think that all accident victims deserve to feel empowered when pursuing the compensation they need. Read on to learn how you can take back some power in your case, even when the insurance company doesn’t want you to.
- You don’t have to talk to anyone else’s insurance company -You are legally obligated to cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation. However, you are not required to talk to anyone else’s insurer and we strongly recommend that you don’t. Talk to a lawyer before giving a statement to anyone after an accident.
- Any statements you make could be used against you – It sounds like something from a TV crime drama, but it’s true in civil cases, too. Insurance companies make profits by paying as little as possible on claims. That means they’re looking for reasons not to give you everything your accident is worth. To avoid talking altogether, you can retain a personal injury to talk to the insurance company for you (most work on contingency and won’t cost you anything up front).
- Insurers don’t always do the right thing – If you’re lucky, your insurance company may pay out the full value of your claim and you won’t need to take legal steps to protect your rights. Too often, however, insurers take advantage of people’s desperation and discomfort with the legal process.
In any personal injury case, it is always wise to consider speaking with a lawyer. Like an insurance adjuster, a knowledgeable car accident attorney deals with these issues every day.
Feel free to share your thoughts below in the comments, or contact our firm if you have questions about your auto accident claim.
