No one wants to be in a car accident, but they happen all the time. When they do, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from being wronged by the insurance company. Many people don’t know what their rights are after an accident, and they wind up getting taken advantage of. In this blog post, we will discuss 8 ways that you can protect yourself from being wronged by an insurance company after a car accident. Follow these tips and you will be sure to get the compensation that you deserve!
1. Know your rights
The first thing that you need to do after an accident is familiarized yourself with the laws and regulations surrounding car accidents in your state. Each state has different rules, so it’s important to know what they are before you deal with an insurance company. This means that you need to do some research before you speak to anyone. For instance, you may be entitled to a rental car after an accident, but many people aren’t aware of this.
2. Gather your evidence
It’s also important to gather as much evidence as possible after an accident so that you can prove the extent of your injuries and other damages. This means taking pictures of the damage caused by the accident, talking to any witnesses that saw what happened, and seeking medical attention for any injuries right away. These things will all help you when it comes time to file a claim against the insurance company. Moreover, you don’t want to wait too long to file your claim, as there may be a statute of limitations that limits how long you have.
3. Hire an experienced attorney
If you are dealing with a particularly large insurance company or if the injuries sustained in your accident are serious, it’s best to hire an experienced car accident lawyer. The legal professionals behind Krzak Rundio Law Group state that only professionals will know exactly what to do in order to get you the maximum compensation possible. You shouldn’t try to handle things on your own when it comes to something this important. For example, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced attorney will know exactly how to get this compensation for you.
4. Don’t give a recorded statement too soon
Another thing that many people don’t realize is that insurance companies often try to get recorded statements from victims shortly after accidents happen. These statements can be used against you later on, so it’s best not to agree to them unless your lawyer gives you the okay. Instead, stick to written correspondence with the insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney. This way, you are sure that your rights are protected and nothing can be used against you at a later time.
5. Keep good records and document everything
In addition to hiring an attorney, it’s also important for you to keep good records and documentation of all aspects related to the accident. This means keeping track of all medical bills and expenses, any correspondence with the insurance company or attorney, and other relevant information. With everything written down or digitally stored, you will have a clear record of what has happened in case anything comes up later on.
6. Do not admit fault
Even if you believe that you are at fault for the accident, it’s important to never say so while speaking to an insurance company. The truth is that they can use your words against you at a later date, which is why it’s best to avoid saying anything altogether until you speak with a lawyer first. This way, you won’t be admitting guilt unnecessarily and potentially damaging your case in the process. For example, if the accident was caused by slippery road conditions, you may be tempted to apologize and say that it’s your fault. However, you shouldn’t do this because it could make it seem as though you have accepted responsibility.
7. Don’t let them rush you or pressure you into signing a settlement
The insurance company will often try to rush victims into signing settlements before they know all of their rights and what they are entitled to. This is why it’s important not to sign anything without giving it thorough consideration first. Make sure that you understand everything in the document before signing so that there are no surprises later on and no room for confusion about who is responsible for what costs associated with the accident.
8. Keep in mind that the insurance company is not on your side
It’s important to remember that the insurance company is not your friend. They care about protecting their bottom line, which means making you accept a lower settlement or paying out as little as possible. This is why it’s so crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help protect your interests and ensure that nothing bad happens during the claims process. With good legal representation, you can rest assured knowing that everything will most likely turn out just fine. For example, if you are dealing with a large insurance company, they may try to deny any type of liability for what happened as a way to save money. However, an experienced lawyer will know exactly how to handle this situation by putting together a compelling case that proves the company should be responsible for paying your bills.
If you have recently been involved in a car accident and are dealing with an insurance company, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from being wronged during the claims process. Some of the key steps include hiring an attorney right away, not giving recorded statements too soon, keeping good documentation and records of everything related to the accident, avoiding admitting fault at any point during the claims process, and knowing that the insurance company isn’t on your side. By following these tips, you can rest assured knowing that your rights are protected and you will likely receive fair compensation for any damages incurred as a result of the accident.
