If you’re involved in a car accident, it may seem daunting and overwhelming when you are forced to deal with the insurance company. Most people believe the insurance companies are there to help them, when in reality, insurance companies are a business. Because they are there to make a profit, insurance companies want to make the most money in premiums and pay out the least in claims as possible.
If you are confused and stressed at the thought of dealing with the insurance company following your accident, we have put together some insurance claims do’s and don’ts until you are ready to talk with an attorney regarding your case.
Insurance Claims Do’s and Don’ts
Insurance companies do their best to get the claims, or injured parties, to try and settle or to avoid talking to an attorney. What you need to remember when dealing with any insurance company is that you never want to disclose too much information regarding your accident. You are also going to want to follow the following insurance claims do’s and don’ts when you are involved in an accident.
Insurance Claims Do’s
- DO notify the insurance company ASAP after car accident. Failing to notify the insurance company in a timely manner could result in your claim being denied.
- DO get the contact information for anyone involved in the accident, including any witnesses. Names, phone numbers, email addresses and the insurance information for anyone directly involved in the accident are usually all that are needed.
- DO take pictures. These photos will be needed to support your claim and should include any damages to your vehicle, injuries, and the accident scene.
- DO read your insurance policy. This is the best way to find out what your policy does and does not cover.
- DO keep a record of all conversations with your insurance company. Remember, they are a business and want to give you as little as possible. Keep record of who you talked to and what you discussed.
- DO get a copy of the accident report. This document will be an important part of your claim and you need to make sure it is accurate. If there are any questions or discrepancies, it is best to alert your attorney so they can investigate.
- DO keep all documentation related to your accident. Save all receipts for car rentals, repair estimates, medical bills, as well as your accident report and insurance policy.
- DO follow all doctor’s orders/advice. Failing to follow treatment plans set up by your doctor can result in your injuries becoming worse and the possibility of your claim being denied.
- DO consider talking to an attorney. The insurance claims process can be difficult and confusing, don’t try to go through it completely alone.
Insurance Claims Don’ts
- DON’T delay researching if you have a legitimate claim. Waiting too long can cause you to miss filing deadlines. Once that deadline passes, you can no longer receive compensation.
- DON’T admit any fault. If you admit fault before an investigation, you may be declined compensation if in fact your injuries were caused by someone else.
- DON’T give any recorded or written statements to your insurance company. You are not required to give your insurance company a written or recorded statement following your accident.
- DON’T automatically accept the estimates from the insurance company regarding your claim. It is best to get a second opinion from a non-biased company so you can receive a fair payout for your damages. Remember, insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible.
- DON’T sign any payout checks without consulting an attorney first. If you cash any checks from the insurance company or sign any settlement documents, your claim is considered complete. If you have any future or ongoing medical expenses, you will be paying out-of-pocket.
- DON’T miss doctor’s appointments or engage in risky behavior. Use common sense and follow all of your doctor’s orders so you do not lose the ability to be compensated for your injuries.
- DON’T try to negotiate privately with anyone else involved in your accident. Trying to negotiate with anyone without knowledge of the law is always a bad idea. Leave the investigations and negotiations to the professionals.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer for a free consultation. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
