Fighting an insurance company after a car accident can be challenging and frustrating. However, it is possible to advocate for your rights and seek a fair settlement.
Some general steps to consider when settling with an insurance company after a car accident include:
- Document the Accident: Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Review Your Policy: Carefully review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and any applicable limitations or exclusions.
- Communicate with the Insurance Company: Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident and provide them with all the necessary details.
- Provide Evidence and Documentation: Present the insurance company with all the evidence and documentation you have collected. This includes medical records, bills, repair estimates, and other relevant information supporting your claim.
- Evaluate Settlement Offers: If the insurance company makes a settlement offer, carefully evaluate it with your attorney. Consider whether the offer adequately compensates you for your injuries, damages, and ongoing or future expenses. Negotiations may be necessary to reach a fair settlement.
- File a Lawsuit, if necessary: If you cannot reach a satisfactory settlement agreement with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit to pursue your claim.
Consider consulting with an experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer with experience handling car accident claims. They can help guide you through the process, protect your rights, and, if necessary, help you sue an insurance company after a car accident.
Insurance Company Tactics
While not all insurance companies engage in deceptive practices, it’s important to be aware of potential tactics that some companies may use to minimize their payouts or deny claims. Some common insurance company tricks to watch out for in a car accident insurance claim settlement include:
- Delaying Tactics: Insurance companies may intentionally delay the claims process by requesting excessive documentation, repeatedly asking for information they already have, or not responding to communication quickly.
- Lowball Offers: Insurance companies may make initial settlement offers significantly lower than the claim’s actual value.
- Denial of Coverage: Insurance companies may wrongfully deny coverage by misinterpreting policy language, alleging policy exclusions, or arguing that the claim falls under a different coverage category.
- Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, the insurance company may try to attribute your injuries to those conditions rather than the accident.
- Requesting Unnecessary Medical Examinations: Insurance companies may request claimants to undergo independent medical examinations. These examinations may be biased toward the insurance company’s interests and may downplay or dispute the severity of the injuries.
- Unfair Settlement Negotiations: During settlement negotiations, insurance adjusters may use aggressive or intimidating tactics to pressure claimants into accepting inadequate settlements.
What Not To Say To Your Insurance Company After An Accident
When dealing with your insurance company after an accident, you must be cautious about what you say to protect your interests. Some things to avoid saying or including in communication with your insurance company include:
- Admitting Fault: Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Speculating or Guessing: Stick to providing accurate and factual information.
- Accepting Blame: Refrain from accepting blame for the accident, even if you feel partially responsible.
- Speculating about Future Medical Conditions: Avoid speculating about potential medical conditions or long-term effects of your injuries.
- Signing Releases or Documents without Review: Read and review any documents or releases the insurance company provides carefully.
- Providing Recorded Statements without Legal Advice: Be cautious about providing recorded statements without consulting an attorney first. Adjusters may use your statements against you in an insurance payout for a car accident.
- Agreeing to a Settlement: Be cautious about accepting a settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries, damages, and long-term implications. Take the time to assess your situation and consult with an attorney if needed.
Need Legal Help? Contact an experienced law firm
If you’re in a dispute with an insurance company after a car accident in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeking legal help from an experienced injury law firm, such as The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, can be beneficial. They have over 30 years of experience handling personal injury and navigating the complexities of insurance claims.
They have the knowledge and expertise to negotiate with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation by completing our contact form online or call us today at 215-673-7733.