You've been involved in a traffic accident. Now what do you do?
 

UNDERSTAND THAT INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE AN AGENDA

First and foremost you must have a clear understanding of how insurance companies operate. Insurance companies are profit driven businesses; payments for accident and injury claims affect their bottom line by reducing their profits. Regardless of whether you are presenting a claim to your own insurance company or to the insurance carrier for the party that caused the accident, all insurance companies have a strong financial incentive to do whatever is necessary to limit the value of your claim or deny that claim altogether.

Insurance companies recognized long ago that claims made by individuals without legal representation settle for less, a lot less, then claims where the claimant has an attorney. Attorneys know how to avoid potentially damaging mistakes or admissions, properly prepare the claim for settlement or litigation and are able to determine the true value of an injury claim. Insurance carriers prefer to deal with claimants who are not knowledgeable or familiar with claims practices and policies. Insurance companies have devised a simple yet effective strategy to subtly discourage accident victims from hiring a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies teach their adjusters to always appear kind, sympathetic and helpful, all the while gathering information they will not hesitate to use to discount or dispute your claim at a later date. Adjusters often use prepared interview scripts that are purposely designed to elicit contradictory responses or unfavorable information which will ultimately undermine the value of your claim.

Insurance companies leave nothing to chance. They are well versed in claims techniques that protect the insurance company's financial interest, not yours. Insurance companies are your adversaries in times of crisis, not your friend. And when you adversary is a multi billion dollar company, you need the assistance of an experienced and aggressive personal injury lawyer.

Hiring an attorney is the best way to level the playing field. A personal injury lawyer can provide you with a better understanding of liability issues that apply to your claim, thoroughly prepare you for insurance statements and guide you through a minefield of cleverly phrased questions that will be asked by the insurance adjuster. In many cases your personal injury attorney can report the accident for you, thereby eliminating the risks that inadvertent misstatements or mistakes will adversely affect the value of your claim.
 

 

Article by Attorney David Laurence Altman  -  Copyright 1999-2009 all rights reserved

  

 

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What To Do If You've Been Involved In A Traffic Accident
What You Should Do At The Scene Of The Accident
What You Should Do After The Accident - Part 1
What You Should Do After The Accident - Part 2