How to Battle Insurance Companies after an Accident - AllCarIndex
If you have been involved in an accident, it is almost standard procedure to notify your insurer. Dealing with the insurance agency can sometimes be hectic. Some insurers will want to give you a lower settlement offer while using the information that you give them.
Other companies will use delay tactics to wear you out and make you accept their offer. Some insurance companies may even not want to compensate you at all. In case of an accident, use the following tips to be ahead of the insurance companies.
1. Don't Give A Recorded Statement To An Adjuster
After an accident, you will most likely make a claim on your insurance policy. Soon afterward, a claims adjuster representing the insurance company will most likely call you. Some claims adjusters are friendly and very pleasant on the phone. They will be kind and empathetic and generally express concern about your wellbeing. They will ask you a few questions regarding the accident or the claim. The adjuster might casually say that it is a routine call that is being recorded and that the few questions are to firm up liability.
Don't fall for this trap! The information you give to the adjuster can be used by the insurance company to reduce your settlement offer. The best option is to call an attorney who has experience in settling accident lawsuits. Insurance companies know the lawyers that can take the matter to a trial for a larger settlement and they will often vary the settlement according to the attorney representing the plaintiff.
2. Your Rates Won't Go Up If Paid Underinsured Insurance
If you get paid for underinsured insurance by your insurance company, it does not mean that your rates will go up. In some states, drivers are required to have underinsured motorist coverage, and often, people pay a higher premium for the same. However, if you are uncertain about your insurance, you should get a copy of your insurance policy declaration page to get full information. When an accident occurs and you deserve to be paid, your rates should not go up because you have a right to these funds based on someone else's fault, and not yours.
3. Don't Accept The First Offer
The reason is the first settlement offer is rarely a fair one. After an accident, most victims will require immediate funds to cover medical bills or pay for vehicle repair. The insurance company understands that you are in a vulnerable position and will give you a lower settlement right away. The offer is usually way below what you deserve as compensation. If for instance you get healed after a car accident and accept the initial settlement offer, you cannot sue the insurer in the future if you develop complications from the injuries. This is because the healing may not go as we'd wished and you may end up developing chronic injuries. If your insurer offers you a quick settlement, don't accept first until you are fully aware of the total cost of medical care, lost wages, auto repair, and any other costs.
4. What You Say Will Be Used Against You
Insurance companies will be looking for signs of inconsistencies, admission of liability, and contradictory statements to use against you for a lower settlement. After an accident, victims may be incoherent and in shock. You may not be in full control of your mental faculties and insurers may pounce on this to ask "just a few questions" which may be used against you. It is best to find an attorney who will speak on your behalf and help you navigate the settlement.
5. Ask Your Doctor To Bill The Medical Insurance Company
It is common for some doctors to wait until you get a settlement to get paid. Some doctors even sign agreements with insurance companies to settle for lower fees, then recover the money when the settlement is made. If you agree to wait till you settle, more money might end up in their pockets.
Insist that your doctor bills your medical insurer for all medical expenses. After the settlement, the difference between what you were billed and what you recovered should be to your advantage.
6. The More Information, The Better
Insurance companies will almost always want to give you a lowball settlement. If you are in a physical state to take photographs after a car accident, please do so, and take lots of them! Take photos of damages to the vehicles involved, any damaged property in the surroundings and any injuries suffered. Be sure to document the extent of the injuries and the recovery progress every few days.
We definitely hope that you don't get into an accident but when it happens, use the above tips to be safe. It is best to hire an experienced attorney to deal with the insurance company and help you receive the settlement you deserve.