Steps to Take When Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Accident
The actions you take in the days following a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover funds for your medical bills and lost wages. It is important to be proactive and organized.
Reporting the Accident to the Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt reporting to maintain your coverage. When you call, stick to the basic facts: where it happened, when it happened, and who was involved. Avoid speculating about fault or the severity of your injuries until you have spoken with a medical professional.
Documenting Injuries and Damages
Keep a detailed record of every way the accident has affected your life. This includes taking photos of the vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible physical injuries. Detailed documentation serves as the foundation of your claim and makes it harder for an adjuster to minimize your experience.
Keeping Records of Medical Treatment and Expenses
Save every bill, receipt, and medical report related to your care. Whether it is a co-pay for physical therapy or the cost of a prescription, these small details have the biggest impact on your final settlement. Organized records help Harding Mazzotti calculate the full measure of compensation available in your case.
Communicating Carefully With Insurance Representatives
Remember that anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used to reduce your payout. Be polite but brief. You are not required to provide a recorded statement immediately following the accident, and it is often in your best interest to consult with a lawyer before doing so.
Common Challenges When Dealing With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies are businesses that prioritize limiting payouts over fairly compensating accident victims. That dynamic leads to predictable patterns that personal injury claimants encounter regularly.
- Communication Delays: Adjusters may take a long time to return calls or process paperwork, hoping you will become desperate and accept a lower offer.
- Lowball Settlement Offers: The first offer is rarely the best offer. It often fails to account for future medical needs or long-term lost wages.
- Disputed Liability: Even if the other driver was clearly negligent, the insurer may try to shift a portion of the blame onto you to reduce their liability.
Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Insurance Claims
- Admitting fault or saying “I’m sorry” at the scene or on the phone.
- Signing medical release forms that give the insurer access to your entire health history.
- Accepting a settlement check before your doctor has fully cleared you or before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Common Insurance Company Tactics After an Accident
- The Quick Release: Offering a small amount of cash immediately in exchange for you waiving your right to sue.
- Downplaying Injuries: Suggesting that your pain is due to a pre-existing condition rather than the car accident.
- Misinterpreting Your Words: Using a casual comment like “I’m doing okay” to argue that your injuries are not serious.
How Harding Mazzotti Helps Clients Deal With Insurance Companies
Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of insurance law and decades of experience fighting for the rights of our neighbors. When you hire Harding Mazzotti, we take the “heavy work” off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
We investigate accident claims by gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing police reports. Our team handles all negotiations with insurance adjusters, standing up to corporations with the determination required to get results. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we have the resources of a large firm to pursue compensation through litigation. We think big for our clients, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
When to Speak With a Lawyer About an Insurance Claim
If your accident resulted in a hospital stay, surgery, or significant time away from work, you should consider legal guidance immediately. You should also speak with a lawyer if the insurance company denies your claim, blames you for the accident, or offers a settlement that does not cover your current bills. At Harding Mazzotti, we offer a free no-obligation case evaluation to help you understand your options without any financial risk.
Contact Harding Mazzotti, LLP for Help With Insurance Claims
Harding Mazzotti has recovered over $1 billion for clients across New York and Vermont. Our team is available 24/7 and works on a no-fee policy, you only pay if we win your case. For big help and big results, contact us today or call Harding Mazzotti, LLP at 844-446-1044.
