When you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you can bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, it’s highly unlikely that the insurance provider will make you a fair settlement offer on your accident claim. In most cases, the offer will be well below what you are truly entitled to for personal injuries, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If the first offer isn’t one you are willing to take, the next step is to file a lawsuit against the car insurance policy holder. Almost always, insurance companies will encourage you to settle the claim for the amount they’re offering. They will also discourage you from seeking legal assistance. This is because they know that if you settle the claim quickly with them, there is very little chance you’ll be able to come back for more at a later date.
The best solution for dealing with insurance companies after a car accident is to hire a personal injury attorney at the time you file your car accident claim. Of course, there are other steps to take including:
- Getting medical attention immediately for your injuries. If you choose not to promptly get medical attention, the insurance company will try to prove you were not injured if your lawsuit is litigated.
- Follow all of your doctor’s instructions. This means not skipping any therapy or tests, and getting necessary rest if this is advised.
- Be very diligent about keeping all of your medical records, insurance information, police reports, and contact information. This will simplify the process of filing a lawsuit.
- Once you are working with an attorney, do not speak to insurance providers, their attorneys, or other parties involved in the accident.
Choosing the Right Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve decided that you need legal help due to injuries you or a loved one has sustained due to an auto accident, you want to carefully choose an attorney. You will want an experienced professional who has proven success in mediation, litigation of car accident insurance claims, and obtaining fair settlements.
It’s well worth the effort to carefully research a variety of attorneys to ensure you’re getting one who is qualified to handle your case. Look for one who will give you a free evaluation of your car accident claim and honest, legitimate advice about your chances for collecting damages if you do choose to sue the car insurance provider.
Don’t Take on the Insurance Company Yourself
It’s always important to remember that insurance companies are in business to make money and not to pay out large settlements. Thus, they are working on behalf of their clients to pay car accident victims as little as possible. They have large legal teams and want accident victims to settle as quickly as possible for the lowest possible amount. For this reason, it is always smart to hire a smart, savvy personal injury attorney who will defend your rights.
