Car accidents can be complicated, especially if serious injuries and extensive property damage are involved. When you’re in this position, you must be proactive in dealing with all parties involved, such as the other driver, law enforcement, your insurance company, and the other driver’s insurance company.
However, it is important to understand that insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying compensation to deserving victims. As such, these insurers prioritize profits over people and are more concerned with protecting their bottom line than about your well-being and future.
The following are common things insurance companies will not tell you after a car accident:
- Just because they admit fault, doesn’t mean they will pay you fairly – Insurance adjusters may state that the auto insurance company accepts responsibility or admit that their driver was at fault for the collision. While this type of action may appear like you are being treated fairly by the insurance company, they want to discourage you from hiring a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and best interests. Insurance adjusters do not like it when victims hire attorneys since the company may need to hire a lawyer to defend against the claim and pay more to the injury victim. If a victim elects to handle the claim themselves, then the insurance company will likely not offer a fair settlement.
- You don’t have to provide a recorded statement – Many insurance adjusters will tell victims that they must give a recorded statement to receive compensation for their injuries. However, you shouldn’t provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Such statements can hurt your case by leading you to make mistakes and admitting to detrimental facts.
- You don’t have to provide medical records – The insurance adjuster may tell you that they “need” your past medical information or that “it will help us determine a fair settlement.” However, insurers want all of your medical records so that they will find evidence to use against you. Additionally, they may claim that they will not pay for certain procedures or therapies because they are not necessary.
- You don’t have to take the initial settlement offer – The first settlement offer is typically less than you need or deserve. Settling early on after an accident is never in your best interests, especially if you suffered serious injuries. Before settling, you need to understand the full extent of your injuries and damages, that way you won’t be left to deal with future medical issues related to the accident on your own.
For more information, contact our Charleston personal injury attorney at Pierce | Sloan today.