It is a scary experience getting involved in a car accident, and dealing with insurance providers following the accident is also unsettling. It can be confusing, and while the insurance adjusters pose intrusive questions that appear harmless, they can be employed to devalue your claim. Accident victims have committed serious mistakes in interaction with insurance adjusters that sabotage their claims. These are five mistakes to avoid to protect your rights and secure a fair settlement.

1. Admitting Fault

Feelings can get the better of you after an accident, and most will instinctively apologize or take the blame for the accident. Insurance providers will use anything you admit to deny or minimize your claim.

Don‘t discuss fault and remain on the facts when dealing with insurance adjusters. Let your attorney and the authorities sort out liability. Provide only information about the accident and do not admit or speculate fault.

2. Providing a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice

Insurance companies typically require accident victims to provide recorded statements to expedite the claims procedure. The statements have the potential to be used against you in the future. Adjusters will provide you with leading questions to obtain answers that weaken your case or reduce their exposure.

Before you make a recorded statement, speak with an attorney. A good car crash lawyer will instruct you on what to say and will protect your rights. When the insurance company requests to record your statement, consult with your attorney first.

3. Taking the First Settlement Offer

It may be easy to accept an initial offer, but the first settlement always amounts to much less than you deserve. The insurance company will make you a lowball offer so that you will receive nothing for continuing medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering.

Get an opportunity to consider your losses and circumstances before entering into a settlement agreement. Consult a legal expert to examine the agreement to ensure it captures all your damages. You can negotiate and get a rightful settlement to ensure your future and existing costs.

4. Avoiding or Denying Medical Care

Some victims downplay injury or hold off treatment for long before seeking medical help. This strengthens the insurance company’s arguments that the injuries weren’t severe and didn’t arise from the crash. 

This makes it wise to make your next stop after the accident scene to a health center. It will allow the medical team to examine the hidden injuries and determine the extent of the injuries. Whether it’s internal organ damage or whiplash, they’ll detail which treatments will apply and post-care requirements, which will help during the lawsuit valuation. 

5. Not Documenting the Crash

Inadequate documentation will invalidate your case and provide grounds for the insurance company to contest your claim. Some overlook the need to take photos of the accident scene and obtain statements of witnesses, which makes the next efforts challenging.

To protect yourself, observe everything at the accident scene, including vehicle damages, injuries incurred, conditions on the road, and causative factors such as weather and signs along the road. Keep a photocopy of the accident report and related medical records. Accurate documentation discourages insurers from undervaluing or denying your claim.

Endnote

Dealing with the process following a car accident can be complex and, in most instances, involves working with insurance companies. Steer clear of the most common errors to protect your rights and get maximum recovery. If you are unsure how to proceed with your claim, having an attorney on board will be worth the expense. Knowing and being alert will help you receive the justice and recovery you deserve.