Benefits Of Hiring Lawyers For Workers Compensation Cases

After An Accident: Is The Insurer On Your Side?

by Marilyn Olson

Being in an accident can cause victims to wonder who to trust. Insurance companies offer promises based on their integrity, support, and trustworthiness. In most cases, insurers are not trying to cheat you. However, auto accidents can change the way you think about auto insurance. For a better understanding of why many people must seek legal help after an accident, read on.

Who to Trust?

If you could view the small print of your insurance policy, you will probably find a clause covering accident reporting. You should phone your own auto insurance company as soon as you can after an accident. It's not necessary to call them from the scene of the accident, however. As soon as you feel well enough to talk about the accident, though, give them a call. They are on your side, and they need to know about the accident. You will be working alongside your insurer and your lawyer to get things done in the next few weeks.

Who Not to Trust

Unfortunately, you automatically shift into an adversarial position after an accident—at least, from the viewpoint of the other driver's insurer. Insurers are businesses that expect to make a profit from insurance premiums. Occasionally, a client causes an accident. That means the insurer will probably end up paying a claim. However, they are laser-focused on paying you, the victim, as little as possible. They have several ways to do that.

Be Cautious

You can never be too careful when interacting with the other driver's insurance. Insurers employ experts in dealing with auto accident cases. They are often known as adjusters. Insurance adjusters may represent themselves to victims as someone there to help process a claim. However, they do far more than that.

Beware of These Situations

Accidents can cause victims to experience trauma. That means the victim is dealing with the pain of the injury, emotional damage from the trauma, and worrying about their wrecked vehicle. When a victim is in a weakened, vulnerable position, they may be careless and say the wrong thing. Here are a few examples of victims putting their compensation at risk by speaking to the insurance adjuster for the other side:

  • They express sorrow that the other driver was hurt. This can be seen as taking some of the blame.
  • They are vague about the details of the accident and their injuries. This can be seen as exaggerating or faking their injuries.
  • They ramble on when asked open-ended questions and reveal inaccurate information, make guesses, speculate about fault, and more.

Instead of speaking to the insurance adjuster for the other driver, speak to a personal injury lawyer. For more info, contact a local firm like Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi, LLC.

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