In the days and weeks that follow a car accident, you will deal with insurance adjusters and companies that often protect their profits above all else. As such, they will attempt to communicate with you throughout the process. During this time frame, it’s imperative to stay safe and avoid some of the common pitfalls that insurance adjusters often take advantage of at a vulnerable time.
Our team wants to protect you through complex claims, so we make it clear what you should and shouldn’t do after an accident. Below, we will detail some of the things you should avoid following a crash to safeguard your rights.
These are just a few of the things to avoid after a crash:
- Apologizing
- Agreeing to deal with a crash privately
- Accepting the first settlement offer
- Speaking with insurance adjusters alone
- Providing a recorded statement
- Claiming you’re not injured
- Not speaking with a lawyer
Call our firm today at (601) 265-6869.
1. Apologizing
When you apologize to the other driver after an accident, they can take that statement and inform their insurance company. If the insurance company hears about this, they might use it as an admission of fault and claim that you were responsible for the crash.
You can be nice about the situation without being apologetic. Instead of saying sorry, make sure you get the crucial information you need after a crash.
2. Agreeing to Deal with a Crash Privately
In many cases, individuals may attempt to settle the crash with you without going through insurance companies. They’ll offer to pay you for your damages out of their own pocket. However, there are significant risks that come with it. These individuals cannot accurately assess the costs of your damages, and you may have no protection the moment you leave the accident scene.
Before you accept any kind of deal with the person you believe is responsible for your injuries, make sure you contact legal counsel. A lawyer can explain your options and pursue the maximum compensation possible for your case.
3. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance adjusters may reach out to you and offer you a settlement soon after you file a claim. Unfortunately, this settlement offer is hardly ever what you expect it to be. It’s not as much as it should be, and you may need to seek compensation through a lawsuit. The first settlement offer is often minimal, and insurance adjusters hope you accept it because you need money.
Before you accept anything, speak with an attorney. Legal counsel can tell you if you deserve more for your case and help you compile a strong case to pursue what you should receive.
4. Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance adjusters try to build trust with you so that you go through the process alone. If you agree to let them speak with you, they might try to find any possible way to take advantage of your rights. They want you to say things that would allow them to minimize or deny your claim. Instead of answering their questions, direct them to speak with your attorney.
5. Providing a Recorded Statement
When an insurance adjuster calls you, they may inform you that the call is being recorded for training and quality purposes. If not, they might ask you to provide a statement and give consent to it being recorded. A recorded statement is not in your favor, though. Insurance companies will use these statements against you.
If the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim asks for a recorded statement, be sure to have them speak with your lawyer in time.
6. Claiming You’re Not Injured
After your crash, you want to seek medical care. However, insurance adjusters will ask if you suffered an injury in the accident. Never tell the adjuster that you didn’t suffer an injury. Instead, inform them that you intend to see a doctor and receive a proper diagnosis.
You may not experience your injuries immediately. The more you can show your injuries, the more you might be able to recover after a crash.
7. Not Speaking With a Lawyer
One of the first things you can do after a crash is contact a lawyer. Remember, insurance companies have large incomes that they use to employ high-level legal counsel designated to protect profits. You need to ensure that you are safeguarding your rights as well. Working with a lawyer from the very beginning allows you to avoid some of the pitfalls you may encounter.
Hiring a lawyer first means you can avoid all of the above actions without having to worry about what comes next. An attorney can file the claim on your behalf, gather and provide evidence, and work with resources that are all on your side, looking out for your best interests after a crash.
Our team at 'MAGGIO LAW works on your behalf. We aim to pursue the maximum compensation available to you so that you can focus on your recovery. We go above and beyond because we don’t take negligence lightly. Our team is ready to be on your side through the process.
Our Jackson car accident lawyers have the experience, tenacity, and drive to seek justice when you need it most. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, and we are prepared to help you. We offer free consultations so that you can learn more about your options moving forward.
Call us today at (601) 265-6869 to speak with someone on our team about your case.