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Any car accident is very stressful, and even more so when you have to deal with all the paperwork and procedures to receive compensation for your injuries and property damage. Dealing with insurance companies after such an incident can affect your compensation claim; therefore, it is very important to know how to proceed.
According to Wattel & York personal injury law firm, there are certain things that you must and mustn’t do when it comes to insurance companies. Here is what you should know about dealing with insurance companies in Arizona after a car accident event.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
After calling authorities, seeking medical treatment, and procuring evidence such as car accident photos, other driver’s names, and contact information, as well as those of eyewitnesses, you should contact your own insurer to let them know about the incident.
At this stage, you should only tell them that the incident occurred as is stated in your policy. In most cases, you must notify them within 24 hours, but it might differ based on your insurance policy.
What is important when you notify them about the car accident is only to let them know that it occurred, where, and when. You don’t have to go into other details without first talking to a car accident lawyer.
You have to remember that insurance companies are, at the end of the day, businesses. Some insurance adjusters might try to get a written or recorded statement from you. You shouldn’t provide them with anything without a lawyer by your side because what you say can be used against you.
In most cases, insurance adjusters will want to find a reason to diminish your claim and give you a lesser compensation. This is why it’s imperative to avoid any communication with the other driver’s insurance company and let your lawyer deal with them.
When dealing with insurance companies, there are certain things that you should never say. For example, you should never say that you are sorry because it might be interpreted as admitting guilt. If they ask you about your injuries, don’t let them know anything because you don’t know the true extent of your injuries. If you face other questions that you don’t know the answer to, it’s best to state that you don’t know rather than presuming something that can be used against you. Lastly, never accept a quick settlement. A quick settlement always means a small payout.
Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with insurance companies isn’t easy. They can use all sorts of strategies to make you accept a lesser settlement. For example, they might say that you might not be able to get more out of your claim because of some legal reason.
However, it is important to remember that insurance companies aren’t neutral when it comes to the law, and you don’t have to take their word for it. A personal injury lawyer, on the other hand, has your best interests at heart and will ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries and other losses. When they communicate with the insurance companies, they know exactly what to say to increase your claim or avoid devaluing it.
