4 Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies
Even if you haven’t been in an auto accident before, you doubtless have heard stories about dealing with insurance companies following a crash. Insurance companies are inherently skeptical of claims, and to a certain extent, they should be, since many unscrupulous people will try to take advantage of the situation. As for-profit groups, insurance companies aim to pay as little out as possible, and their adjusters and claims experts are trained to thoroughly investigate all aspects of it to find any incongruities, or reasons that the insurance company may not be liable. However, this cynical approach makes it very difficult for anyone to get a fair and timely settlement by themselves, including honest people who just want to have their medical bills covered and be justly compensated. Dealing with an insurance company may never be a joy, but there are some things you can do to make the process a little easier.
Here are 4 tips that may help you get fair compensation with minimal headaches:
- Hire a personal injury lawyer – Any auto accident lawyer in Tampa is trained and experienced in dealing with insurance companies, and they know how to “speak the language” of this industry. Not only can they effectively communicate with the companies, but they can investigate the claim themselves and your policy to make sure the insurance company takes care of everything it’s liable for.
- Don’t give any statements right away – Contrary to what some people would have you believe, you are not obligated to give a written or verbal statement to your insurance company after a car accident, or to that of anyone else involved. In fact, it’s usually recommended that you not give any recorded statements directly afterwards, as they can come back to haunt you during the claims process. This isn’t to say that you can’t give a recorded statement at all; just that it’s advisable to wait until your head is clearer and you’ve had the chance to gather your thoughts and consult with your lawyer.
- Don’t sign anything right away – Sometimes, insurance agencies will want you to sign something after an accident, and while this may not always be a bad thing, in many cases it could mean you’re admitting fault or giving up certain rights. Even if you don’t think they’re trying to be malicious, it’s advisable to let your lawyer look over the document to ensure you aren’t compromising your claims case.
- Don’t settle for the first offer – Insurance companies almost always lowball you on the first offer because they leave room for negotiations. Don’t accept their first offer, and talk with your lawyer to find out what a fair level of compensation is. In fact, you can even preempt them and write a demand letter, which states your proposed settlement deal.
These are just four things to consider after a car accident. A Tampa lawyer may be able to help you further as well as provide aggressive representation of your rights if you have to go to court. If you have any questions or would like to speak with a lawyer about your case, contact Barbas Law.
