The aftermath of a car accident is an extremely difficult thing to endure, especially when you suffer significant property damage and physical injuries. Unfortunately, the already complicated process is further strenuous when you have to work with insurance companies and their adjusters; many of whom are only looking out for themselves after a crash.
Whenever you have to deal with the insurance company, there are very specific things that you want to know. In fact, it’s vital to your claim to recognize where the insurance company may be lying to you, or where they’re not giving you all of the information you need and deserve.
Having knowledge of insurance companies, the things they won’t tell you, and the way they try to deny claims can help in pursuing compensation. Here are 10 things insurance companies don’t want you to know and they won’t tell you after a car accident:
- You can hire legal representation
- The settlement may not cover all your losses
- An adjuster is looking out for profits
- You don’t have to accept a settlement
- You don’t have to sign papers on your own
- Fault isn’t always one sided
- Your doctor plays a vital role in your case
- Insurance adjusters may not look at all factors in determining the value of your claim
- You have the right to a fair investigation
- What you say and do after a crash can be used against you
If you need legal help during a car accident claim, call our firm today at (512) 400-3278 for the voice you deserve.
1. You Can Hire Legal Representation
One thing to note about insurance companies is the fact that they have large legal teams representing them and defending against claims. The goal for these legal teams? Protect profits. This means finding ways to minimize or deny claims to pay out as little as possible.
To combat this, you have the right to have your own legal representation throughout the process. Hiring a lawyer is imperative for your claim, allowing you to have the right protection when pursuing justice and compensation.
2. The Settlement May Not Cover All Your Losses
Insurance companies offer out countless settlements to claimants each year, and some individuals are okay with that amount. Before you accept anything, though, you should know that not all insurance companies consider all your losses when making this offer. It’s often much less than you deserve, so be sure to review the settlement before making a decision.
3. An Adjuster Is Looking Out for Profits
While an adjuster may act friendly toward you, giving advice and helping you understand the claims-filing process, they’re still employed by an insurance company. It’s still their top priority to protect the company’s profits. Because of this, they’ll tell you things to get you to accept the settlement offer, even if you deserve much more.
4. You Don’t Have to Accept a Settlement
While insurance companies may try to tell you anything to get you accept their settlement offer, know that this isn’t something that you have to do. You have the right to deny their offer and pursue additional compensation with the help of your lawyer. Don’t let an insurance adjuster claim that if you don’t accept the settlement that you will get nothing.
5. You Don’t Have to Sign Papers on Your Own
Insurance adjusters may send over documents and encourage you to sign them and get them back to the insurance company as quickly as possible. It’s not something you have to do alone. It’s always a wise decision to have your legal counsel review all paperwork to protect your rights during the process.
6. Fault Isn’t Always One Sided
One tactic that insurance companies try to use to deny claimants compensation is saying that the crash was your fault. Unfortunately, there are many people who take this as the final word and don’t take action to combat these claims.
In Texas, there exists comparative fault laws that allow you to pursue compensation, even if you were considered partially at fault for the accident. With these laws in place, the amount of compensation you recover is reduced by the percentage of fault placed on you for the accident, but it doesn’t eliminate your ability to obtain compensation completely.
7. Your Doctor Plays a Vital Role in Your Case
Some insurance companies may request that you see their choice of medical professional for an adverse exam. It’s important to know that your choice of doctor, however, is one that plays a vital role in your ability to pursue compensation. Your primary care provider can attest to any pre-existing conditions, perform the necessary tests to determine the severity of your injury, and provide medical records that help you build up a strong claim.
8. Insurance Adjusters May Not Look at All Factors in Determining the Value of Your Claim
You may be wondering how much your claim is worth soon after the accident occurs, and it’s a reasonable thought. You have a lot going on, including your physical and mental pain, rising medical bills, and more. It’s understandable that you want to know the value of your claim.
One thing to note is that an insurance adjuster may place different values on your losses than you or your legal team would. They often try to find the lowest cost to get something done, but it may not account for everything. In any situation, have a lawyer review documents from any insurance adjuster to get a better idea of the value of your claim.
9. You Have the Right to a Fair Investigation
One of the responsibilities of any insurance company is to provide a fair investigation to determine causation and liability. They must do this in a timely fashion while also investigating without any kind of discrimination.
An investigation that lasts much longer than it should and is of a discriminatory nature should be contested.
10. What You Say and Do After a Crash Can Be Used Against You
While you may think that the things you say and do after an accident help you, there are some things that can be used against you. For instance, if you find yourself apologizing for any reason whatsoever, insurance adjusters may look to use this as an admission of fault. Similarly, if you claim to have a significant injury, yet you’re posting images on social media that contradicts that claim, it is something that may be used against you.
When it comes to your rights, it’s vital to have representation you can trust. At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we focus on your rights. We go above and beyond to safeguard your ability to pursue compensation in a time when you need it the most.
Our Austin car accident attorneys will be your voice in the courtroom. We don’t take insurance companies lightly, but we never back down. We’ll fight to pursue the compensation and justice you deserve, and we’ll go above and beyond to do it. Don’t let insurance adjusters take advantage of a vulnerable situation. Let our experienced trial lawyers stand in your corner throughout the entire process.
For a free consultation to discuss your potential case, we encourage you to call our firm today at (512) 400-3278.
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