Following a car accident, lawyers recommend that you do not speak with an insurance adjuster right away. Instead, politely decline to give information and call a personal injury attorney.
The insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. Their goal is to reduce their own liability. Sometimes that includes undermining your legitimate claim to damages.
If you were involved in an accident, you need someone on your side. AtChalik&Chalik Injury Lawyers, we work hard to protect the rights of accident victims just like you. Contact us today at 855-529-0269.
Dangers of Speaking with an Insurance Adjuster After Your Car Accident
It is helpful to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. They are looking out for their best interests, not yours.
You expect an insurance company to do the right thing, but that is often not the case. Here are a few dangers of speaking to an adjuster before an attorney.
Recorded Statements Can Be Used Against You
Following an accident, the insurance adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement. They may compare this statement with later statements and claim that innocent inconsistencies show you are not telling the truth about the accident.
They may also ask leading questions or suggest events happened in a certain way. They may get aggressive so you will agree with them out of frustration. Remember, any statement you give them can be used against you to deny your claim or to damage your case in court.
Medical Release Forms Can Be Used to Deny Your Claim
In addition to trying to get you to say something that will reduce their liability, the insurance company may ask you to sign a medical release form. This gives them the right to access your medical records.
It might seem harmless, as surely, they will see those records anyway. However, sometimes these forms are misleading and give them access to more than just your most recent medical records. They can use any information they gather to deny your claim by saying you had a previous condition or injury.
They May Try to Close the Case Early
An adjuster does not have a duty to make sure all your damages are covered. They may try to push you to accept a settlement offer before your medical future is clear. For example, you may be out of work for longer than you expect, or you may require long-term care.
After a car accident, it is crucial to avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident in any way with the insurance adjuster. Here is what to do instead.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer, Near Me
(855) 529-0269Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you may be in shock, scared, or even injured. It is critical that you remain clear-headed and take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of all parties and protect your legal rights.
Your first step after any car accident is to ensure the safety of yourself and others who were involved in the accident. Here is what to do next:
- Call 911 to report the accident if there are any injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Move cars out of the road, if it is possible to do so safely.
- Move yourself to a safe location, such as a sidewalk or the shoulder of the road. Do not leave the scene of the accident.
- Give your contact information to the other driver, if possible. This should include your name, phone number, and insurance information.
- Wait for help to arrive. Document the names of police officers and their badge numbers.
- Document injuries and the accident scene if you can.
- Get checked out by a medical professional, either on the scene or at an emergency room after.
- Contact a personal injury attorney for a free evaluation to assess your legal rights. They will advise you on your next steps.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you were injured in a car accident, it is important that you do not speak to an insurance adjuster right away. Instead, call a personal injury attorney from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers.
Our legal team is here to help protect your legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve. We also handle birth injuries, tire accidents, and many more practice areas. Set up your free case review today by calling 855-529-0269.
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(855) 529-0269
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