When a person is injured in a car crash or other auto accident, medical bills and missed time at work can quickly become a serious concern. Insurance companies frequently use this to their advantage by preying on the vulnerabilities of the injured person. An insurance company’s quick check can seem like a way to get ahead of the snowball of debt, but these are more often than not far below what an injured person’s case is actually worth. It is not uncommon for these “quick checks” to be less than 10% of what the case is really worth.
How to Deal With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often try to treat each personal injury claim alike, but that simply isn’t reality. Each accident case is unique. They all have different variables that impact the value of the claim. These include:
- the severity of the crash
- the person who was injured
- the length and type of medical treatment
- the amount of medical bills, etc.
The list is truly limitless. It's important that when you're dealing with insurance companies you ensure that they understand the full monetary impact your accident has had on you. At the same time, you don't want to provide too much information without knowing how the insurance company may use it in the future. For example, you don't want to tell the insurance adjuster that you "feel fine" after your accident, because they may take this to mean that you have no injuries whatsoever, and that you won't be needing compensation for any medical treatment you may have received. When it comes to talking with insurance companies, it's always better to be patient and be careful about how much information you share.
Should I Talk to My Insurance Company After an Accident?
While it may be tempting to contact your insurance company right away to get started settling your claim, it's important that you have all of the facts straight before sharing information with the insurance adjuster. The best course of action following your accident is to seek out a professional car accident lawyer whom you trust. Your lawyer can then work with your insurance company to ensure the best settlement on your behalf.
If you or a loved one is injured, it is important to get an attorney who understands that your case is special. No one can quantify your case value without having a deep understanding of your medical history and treatment.
If you have been injured in a car accident that wasn't your fault, contact Attorney Heath Sullivan at Gulf South Law Firm to discuss your personal injury or car accident case.
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