Ever heard bedtime horror stories from anyone who has filed an insurance claim for a vehicle accident? Well, you should, because then you will learn how victims of car accidents can trip on technical jargon because they said things that they shouldn’t have, and in the process, lost out on getting what they truly deserved.
Insurance companies have deep pockets and their adjusters do their best to boost their employer’s cash reserves by low-balling claims. Utah government’s crash-mapping tool suggests that vehicle accidents are increasing by the day, and therefore it is commonsense to guess that insurance claims would be flying thick and fast and insurance companies would be trying to save every penny they can by disputing claims.
Our firm of Utah Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers, got together and created this guide on how to tackle insurance companies after an accident. Hope it helps you to become an informed litigant.
Information Disclosure to Insurance Companies
Most folks involved in an accident are dazed and confused in its immediate aftermath. They must refrain from speaking about the following subjects, because if they do, the information they provide can be twisted and used against them.
(a) Do not admit fault until you have consulted an attorney.
(b) Never ever say that you are not injured. Remember, some injuries, especially internal injuries, take several months to show up.
(c) Do not make any statements immediately after the accident because at that time you may be in shock and awe.
(d) Do not give an official statement until your attorney checks and okays it.
All that you should disclose to insurance companies is a description of what happened – just the facts without the opinion.
It will be in your best interest to hire an experienced Utah motor vehicle accident lawyer and have him guide you on what not to disclose.
Accepting a Settlement
Do not accept a settlement thrown at you by an insurance adjuster without consulting your Utah motor vehicle accident lawyer. 9.9 times out of 10, you will be heavily short-changed.
When you don’t have a lawyer around you, insurance companies and at-fault parties know that they can twist you around and make you settle for a low sum.
So, unless your attorney determines the compensation that is rightfully due, do not accept any settlement offer.
Signing a Release
Many victims of car accidents sign a release allowing their insurance companies to access their medical records. In many cases, the adjuster notes their pre-existing conditions and uses the information to deny or lower the claim.
So – obvious advice – don’t sign a release.
Don’t Make Friends
The insurance adjuster is not your friend. His goal is to save his employer’s money. Be as comfortable as you can be while talking to him, but don’t make him your friend. As they say, “anything you say can be used against you…”
Check Your Insurance Policy for Timelines
Every Insurance policy specifies timelines within which accident-related information and claims should be reported or filed. Moreover, any slackness in communicating with the insurance company can imply that the claimant is in no hurry (maybe because he is a rich guy!).
Therefore, all parties involved in an accident should read up their insurance policies and communicate within the specified timeline, or they may lose out on their insurance claim.
Remember that insurance is a tricky business and folks involved in car accidents are more focused on their health and lost wages than negotiating with an insurance company. Negotiations with any insurance company should be handled by a Utah motor vehicle accident lawyer.
If the information above has convinced you that hiring an experienced attorney who works on a contingency fee basis (don’t pay if you don’t win) is the best way to tackle insurance companies and at-fault parties, then here is an offer you can consider accepting.
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Our in-house team of skilled and experienced Utah motor vehicle accident lawyers works on a contingency fee basis and helps clients by investigating the case, consulting experts, calculating the rightful compensation, and negotiating with insurance companies and at-fault parties.
Utah Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Vs. Insurance Companies
Most of our cases are resolved before the trial stage and we have helped hundreds of clients receive millions of dollars as compensation.
We urge you to schedule an appointment and take advantage of our no-obligation free initial consultation.
We will help you understand the ins and outs of your case, and what’s more, you will not be under any pressure to hire us.
We guarantee that you will become a more informed negotiator and litigant after our meeting, and encourage you to schedule an appointment.
You have everything to gain and absolutely nothing to lose!
