If you’re involved in an accident, you may have a valid personal injury claim. Many personal injury claims involve speaking with an insurance company. This can feel harrowing as a maritime accident lawyer knows all too well. Who will you talk to when you call the insurance company? Are they really looking out for your best interest? What is the best way to handle the insurance company?
This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a substitute for legal advice. If you need legal advice, seek out an experienced personal injury attorney in your area.
Who Will You Talk To With The Insurance Company?
When you’re in an accident, you will likely need to contact both your insurance company and the other party’s insurance company to report the claim. First, you will talk with either your agent or a claims specialist. Their main role is to take the information for the claim. Then, you’ll talk with an insurance adjustor. Their job is to handle the claim. The question then becomes: Will they handle your claim with fairness?
Is The Insurance Company Really Looking Out For You?
Ultimately, an insurance company is a for-profit company as our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC would tell you. While they technically should look out for you as the injured party, they’re generally mostly concerned about their bottom line. You may not be given a fair offer for the damage you’ve suffered.
Tips For Handling The Insurance Company
Here are three tips for handling the insurance company:
- Don’t sign a settlement agreement right away. Talk with a personal injury attorney who can review the settlement agreement. They can guide you in making the decision on whether or not to sign the agreement. This is important because if you sign the agreement, you may give up your claim for less than its worth.
- Be careful about giving a recorded statement. They may use what you say against you in order to lower the amount they pay out.
- Hire a personal injury attorney to handle the insurance company on your behalf. Remember that the insurance company has a legal department that will represent what is in their best interest. Without hiring an attorney the insurance company may not be willing to pay the amount you deserve. An attorney can help ensure that you’re treated fairly.
Remember, insurance is not out to help you, even if you are the injured party. The insurance companies do not want to pay out money if they do not have to, so something even as small as saying you feel bad and like it might be your fault is enough for them to not cover your accident.
After you seek emergency help and medical treatment, you should always immediately contact a lawyer. They will work to speak to the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact an attorney near you today to get started if you have been in an accident and are worried about dealing with insurance companies.