When you are hurt in an accident, the insurance company for the other party doesn’t want you to now certain things about filing an accident claim. Below are five things an experienced personal injury attorney want you to know if you have been injured in an accident.
The insurance adjuster works for the company
Many adjusters try to be your friend. The adjuster for the other driver may tell you he is here to help you receive compensation for your injuries. He may even go as far to tell you that he will do everything he can to see that you receive the money you deserve. Don’t be fooled.
The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. It is his job to find a way to deny your claim or pay as little as possible to settle your claim. The adjuster is not your friend, and he does not have your best interest as his top priority. You should not be talking to him without consulting with a personal injury attorney.
They don’t want you to hire an attorney
When you hire a personal injury attorney, you will have someone on your side who is fighting for what is in your best interest. You will have someone who gives you sound legal advice about your rights and your options. In other words, you will be informed, and you will have someone to protect you. The insurance adjuster may tell you that you will receive more money if you don’t hire an attorney. Don’t be fooled by this tactic - remember, the adjuster works for the insurance company, not you. The insurance company has a team of lawyers working for it, shouldn’t you have the same?
A quick settlement is usually a bad settlement
If the insurance company knows that your damages may be substantial, it is in the best interest of the company to offer a low amount to settle the claim as quickly as possible, preferably before you talk to an attorney. These settlements are usually in the best interest of the company and are much lower than the actual value of your case. If you realize a few months from now that your injuries are more severe and you need surgery, you will pay the cost for your treatment if you have signed a settlement agreement with the insurance company.
You don’t have to provide a statement or sign a medical release for the company to process your claim
This is another tactic designed to get information from you that can hurt your claim. You don’t have to give a recorded or written statement to the insurance company for the other driver for it to begin processing your claim nor do you need to give it access to your medical records. Your attorney will handle this for you to make sure that the insurance company only receives the information related to your accident claim.
Don’t try to be a brave hero
When you go to the doctor, tell him everything that is hurting or bothering you. This is not the time to be brave and “work through” the pain. Hiding symptoms and not telling the doctor about the “little” things that are bothering you can hurt your case. Therefore, it is better to tell the doctor everything and let him sort out what is related to the accident. You want all your injuries documented as well as the severity of those injuries.
If you have been injured in an accident, don’t let the insurance company for the other driver take advantage of you. Call an experienced personal injury attorney.