Insurance companies profit from offering protection to individuals in the event of an accident or injury; not by paying out on accident claims.
Insurance companies make their money by offering protection to individuals in the event of an accident or injury. They do not profit from paying out on accident claims; it’s actually what hurts their profits. If you were injured in a car accident, you could expect your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company to attempt to save as much money as possible. This is often done by offering a settlement less than the total value of your claim, delaying the investigation, denying you coverage, or sometimes using intimidation tactics to get you to accept a much lower settlement. You should contact a qualified personal injury attorney before negotiating or interacting with the insurance company following a vehicle accident.
Gather Evidence
The evidence you can gather following an accident will be essential in substantiating your claim. Take pictures, make notes, obtain witness statements, and document every aspect of your accident. This will increase your chances of proving fault and pursuing the total value of your claim. At a minimum, record the date and time, the location, the make and model of the other car, and the license plate number. Get names and phone numbers for the other driver and passengers in that car and any witnesses.
Communicate Clearly
Some insurance policies specify that the insured must report claims within a specific time period and submit information within a given timeline. These rules apply when the insured is filing a claim against their own insurance company. Additionally, not handling necessary communications with the insurance company promptly may give the impression that your claim is not that important to you. In any event, all claims should be completed and a lawsuit filed before the statute of limitations expires.
Don’t Minimize Your Injuries
People will often downplay the severity of their injuries without considering the consequences of what they are saying. Phrases like “I’m fine” or “it is not a big deal” can impact your compensation. If you minimize how serious your injuries are, it can be devastating to the value of your settlement and can seriously affect the insurance company’s final decision on your claim.
The insurance company may believe you aren’t severely hurt and will deny your claim for compensation or any obligation to cover medical treatment.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer helps accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. They can often complete many tasks associated with submitting and substantiating a claim with the victim’s permission. Having a lawyer helps the victim receive a higher settlement when compared to those who do not have a lawyer. Insurance companies may try to deceive accident victims or not thoroughly inform them of their rights. Having an attorney on their side can help them protect their interests.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.