Speak with anyone who has gone through a car accident, and they'll probably share that interacting with the involved insurance companies was quite troublesome. Even your personal insurance provider can become a maze of bureaucratic hurdles when it's time to reach out after an accident. Here are some key points to remember and follow as you navigate the insurance process after an accident.
No Need to Accept the First Insurance Offer
It’s generally not advisable to immediately accept the initial proposal from the insurance company. The industry frequently employs a tactic of presenting claimants with a settlement much lower than what is rightfully theirs in hopes that they will simply accept it and move on.
If the first offer you receive proves insufficient (as it likely will), continue to advocate for yourself. Make it clear to the insurance company that you are determined to secure an equitable and just settlement, and that you will persist until such an outcome is achieved.
Handling the Other Party’s Insurance
Insurance firms associated with any other parties in the accident generally do not have your best interests at heart, and it's advisable to limit interactions with them to only what is absolutely required. Before giving any recorded statements, it's crucial to seek legal counsel. Limit your communication to essential details and avoid delving into the event's particulars.
There's a possibility that these insurance companies might propose an initial settlement quickly. It’s wise not to hurry into accepting it, as it's probably lower than what you're rightfully entitled to. Always consult with a motor vehicle accident lawyer before making any agreements.
Request Your Doctor to Bill Your Insurance Company
Individuals with private health insurance may expect their medical expenses to be covered during a settlement process. Yet, it’s common for healthcare providers to bypass submitting charges directly to your insurance. Instead, they may prefer to hold off until the settlement is resolved, aiming to receive payment from the settlement funds.
This approach is often due to agreements between some clinics and insurance companies that establish reduced fee structures. By consenting to delay insurance billing in favor of settlement payouts, patients might inadvertently benefit the financial interests of these providers over their own.
Avoid Providing a Documented Account
You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement. Insurance companies might suggest that taking recorded statements is a standard procedure in all claims. Be aware that their purpose is to use this information to reduce the compensation you receive. Providing a recorded statement is unlikely to benefit your case, and it risks causing harm.
It's advisable not to provide a recorded statement. However, if you decide to proceed, ensure you have legal representation present, or at the very least, seek legal advice before making any statement.
Exclude Unnecessary Details
When interacting with your insurance company or providing them with an official statement, it's unnecessary to go into extensive detail. Provide brief and truthful responses. It's normal not to accurately recall every detail of an accident; stress or even a slight head injury can result in memory issues. Attempting to add details when unsure can result in incorrect information being provided to your insurer. If there's something you can't remember, it's perfectly okay to state that.
Endnote
When handling matters with the other driver's insurance company, make it a point to never let them record your statement under any conditions. Be mindful that insurance firms may employ subtle strategies because they aim to safeguard their finances. Exercise extreme caution with any documents they present for your signature.
