How you deal with insurance after an accident depends on the carrier that has reached out to you. As such, your approach with your own insurance company will be very different compared to the other driver’s carrier. Still, your interaction with a carrier could impact your claim or even result in the cancellation of your policy.
Our law firm knows how insurance companies work. While you recover from your injuries, our attorneys can protect your rights and handle all correspondence with the insurers on your behalf.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Insurance Company
One of the first phone calls you are likely to get after a car crash will be from the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters frequently reach out in the hours following a car collision in hopes of obtaining a recorded statement from you.
The adjuster for the other driver’s insurance company might imply that giving a recorded statement is mandatory. It is not. In reality, you have the right to refuse to give any statement to them at all. Your recorded statement would usually benefit the insurance company’s bottom line, as the adjuster could use anything you tell them against you during negotiations.
Adjusters frequently look for excuses to deny a third-party liability claim. If they can twist your words to make it seem like you admitted fault in your recorded statement, it could result in a denial of your claim.
Review Your Policy Before Speaking to Your Own Insurance Carrier
You have the option to avoid communicating with the other driver’s insurance company in the aftermath of a motor vehicle crash. However, you may not have that same option when it comes to your own carrier. Most insurance policies require you to participate in their investigation, which may include giving a statement to your provider, even if you have no intention of filing a claim.
Your policy will determine what your obligations are. For instance, the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) dictates that your insurance company will mandate that you report a car collision immediately after it happens.
Reviewing your policy is important given the consequences of noncompliance. If you do not report your car crash to your insurance company as required by the policy, your insurer could potentially reject your claim or even cancel your policy.
Be Wary If You Are Asked to Sign Anything
Insurance companies are known for employing manipulative tactics. For example, they may talk the claimant into signing an agreement they do not understand. Some insurance companies will simply mail a check and a release to an injured driver in hopes they will sign the agreement and cash the check. These checks are usually written for a fraction of the true value of the injury claim.
The problem is that once you settle your injury case, you cannot go back for more money later. The amount you accept for a settlement is all you will ever recover, so it is important you only accept a settlement offer that a maximum recovery. Before you sign any documents or cash any checks, you may want to consider discussing your case with a car accident lawyer on Long Island on our team.
Do Not Settle Your Personal Injury Claim Too Quickly
When dealing with an insurance company, it is a mistake to settle your claim too quickly. Insurance companies often push quick settlements in hopes that you will not realize the true value of your case.
One of the ways that settling with the insurance company too soon could be bad for your recovery is that you might require additional treatment in the future. If you have not yet reached the maximum medical improvement (MMI) for your injury, you could be on the hook for your future medical bills.
If you are still undergoing treatment, it is important to wait until you understand what your long-term medical needs might be. Your attorney could assist you with identifying your future medical needs by reviewing your records. Taking your time could ensure you recover compensation for all of your medical bills.
Document As Much from Your Car Crash As You Can
Building a strong injury claim is one of the best ways to deal with an insurance company. Insurance carriers might initially be skeptical of your claim, but strong evidence could bring them to award you with compensation.
Some of the most important evidence-gathering you can do after is at the scene of the crash. If your physical condition allows it, take as many photographs of the crash scene as possible. Photos of your injuries could also strengthen your case.
Finally, make contact with any independent witnesses to the collision and obtain their contact information. These witnesses could provide a statement that makes it clear you were not at fault for the collision.
Keep Copies of All Your Records Related to the Car Crash
Careful record-keeping could also help you deal with the insurance companies. By compiling all of the important documents related to your collision, you could streamline the claims process and ensure you are compensated for all of your damages.
These important records include your medical bills, repair estimates for your vehicle, hospital records, and the police report from your collision.
Let Our Attorneys Serve As Your Advocate When Dealing with Insurance Companies
Pursuing an insurance claim on your own could put your right to financial recovery at risk. With that said, the easiest way to deal with insurance companies after a car crash is by hiring a personal injury attorney with our firm to handle your claim. When you have our law firm on your side, we could deal with the insurance provider so that you don’t have to.
Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. has resolved countless car crash cases, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve as your advocate while seeking compensation for your injuries. Get in touch with our firm right away for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and we can serve you in Spanish if that’s your preferred language.
