After a car accident, you know to visit the hospital and sort out your medical problems. While many people can deal with doctors, they are unsure on how to deal with insurance companies. In the aftermath of your accident, know the right steps to take to get well-deserved treatment from the insurance company.
Write Everything Down
The typical insurance adjuster wants to talk to you immediately after an accident. The next step is to sit down and have the long discussion, but you should know what to say first. Be wary of the insurance company and assume that they are working for their own interests and not yours.
Long before the conversation begins, write down the details of the entire accident. Record everything that occurred before, during and after the event, including important dates and names. In addition to the police report, you need this personal account to use in court. As you converse with the adjuster, write down every statement that he or she says over the phone.
Refuse to Say Certain Things
The insurance adjuster is not your lawyer, so you cannot confide in him or her about everything. From the beginning of the conversation, state what you will and will not be discussing over the phone. Provide as little information as possible because the investigation is ongoing and the facts will change.
Also, some adjusters call to entice you into making a quick settlement. Settling quickly is discouraged because you could receive less money than you deserve. You cannot settle when the investigation is early and you have inadequate information.
Do Not Point Fingers Yet
Do not automatically assume that you or the other driver is at fault. Wait until the investigation is complete and the facts have been laid out. Many accidents are the result of negligence from both sides, so you could be putting the other driver at an unfair advantage.
Work through the Lawyer
Sometimes, it’s better to make decisions through your lawyer. Lawyers have worked with many insurance companies for years, so they know every trick and technique that these companies use. It’s important to review the types of accident cases and their years of experience as you look for auto accident lawyers.
When you watch most accident attorney commercials, they say that the insurance company is not on your side. Insurers want to use minimal resources on your accident case, and they want you to settle with a small sum of money. Know how to work with the insurance company to get the just compensation that you deserve.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
