Anyone who has been in a car accident has probably wondered the best way to communicate your needs to the insurance adjuster, and have them actually listen. The best way is to simply leave it up to a professional. A qualified car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance company on your behalf, not only are they skilled at discourse and negotiation, but this way you can focus on recovering.
When you are speaking with the insurance company’s representative or adjuster, they are only half-listening to you, they are also trying to get you to say things that will help them minimize or dismiss your claim. They will often reach out under the guise of care and concern, in order to make you think they are on your side. They absolutely are not. The only person on your side will be your attorney.
You are not legally required or obligated to speak to the insurance company for the driver at fault, in fact, if you accidentally say the wrong thing during a recorded statement, it can be devastating for your case. If you speak to them for some reason, do not apologize or admit fault in any way, simply let them know they need to speak with your attorney and provide them with their contact information.
An experienced lawyer will communicate as your representative, and will not accept a lowball first offer of compensation. They will keep the playing field level and will fight hard for the compensation you deserve for your damages. They are also skilled negotiators and will be your advocate during complex settlement negotiation talks.
Your lawyer will begin by building a strong case and creating a productive dialog with the other party’s insurance provider. This is a crucial step that many people overlook, choosing instead to try to communicate with hostility or anger.
When you create and file an injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company, one of three things will happen. They will either accept your claim and pay it as requested, deny it outright, or try to rebut with a counteroffer. The first option is generally the rarest, as insurance companies seldom accept a claim particularly if it has a lot of damages.
If they deny your claim or counter with a lowball offer, your best option is to get help from a lawyer. They will help you build a strong case with supporting evidence and provable losses. They will likely collect all pictures you took at the scene, visiting it themselves to see the surroundings, obtaining copies of accident reports, and speaking with any witnesses who can support your claim. If your case needs to go to court, like in Lin v. Mid-Century Ins. Co., you will be prepared with state-licensed legal representation.
The best part is that most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, so if they take your case you will not need to pay them to begin, their legal fees will be included with, and paid from, your settlement. There is nothing to lose by reaching out for an injury claim case evaluation today.
If you still have questions on what to do next if you or a loved one were injured in an accident or are ready to take steps in advocating for injury rights and getting fairly compensated, a Guru is standing by. Use the button below to contact us.
