Being in a car accident can be unsettling for most people, especially if they have been injured as a result of the accident. If the accident wasn’t your fault, the other driver’s insurance company will contact you quickly in an effort to settle any claims that you might make. However, it is important that you don’t allow them to rush you into decisions. Remember to avoid these three mistakes when filing a claim.
Not Hiring an Attorney
The insurance companies are out to save themselves money and they will do anything they can in order to do so. If you have been involved in a minor accident, hiring an attorney is usually not necessary. However, if you have been injured in a car accident in Georgia and you expect your medical bills to exceed $10,000, then you need to hire an experienced attorney firm like car injury law firm in Macon.
An attorney will protect your interests and negotiate with the car insurance companies for you, both the other party’s insurance company and your own. An attorney can help you receive compensation for all current and future medical expenses relating to your injuries, your time off work and for pain and suffering. If necessary, your attorney will take the case to court so you can be justly compensated.
Providing Detailed Information
When you contact the other party’s insurance company, be careful about how much information you provide. From the time they get on the phone until you hang up, you need to be careful with what you say because they will use anything they can to try to invalidate or reduce the amount of your claim. Only inform them that their client hit your car and when the accident occurred.
Being represented by an experienced car accident attorney can help you because the attorney can speak with the insurance company when you are contacted for information. Your attorney will be persistent in investigating the details surrounding the accident. He may ask for your medical history and ask for a police statement. When the insurance company adjuster calls and tries to ask questions or make a settlement, refer him to your attorney instead of trying to answer the questions yourself.
Talking About the Accident
Be careful about referencing the accident or your injuries on social media. One of the tactics that insurance companies use is to follow accident victims on social media to see if they discuss their accident or otherwise give clues indicating that their injuries are not as severe as they claim.
They may also check for pictures and videos that show you doing physical activities that you should not be able to do because of your injuries. Claims adjusters will do anything they can to show you should accept some liability for the accident or that you are not as injured as you claim in order to reduce your compensation.
A representative from the other driver’s insurance company may attempt to force you into a low ball settlement for the accident, so hire an attorney as soon as you can to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
This guest blog post was submitted by Davis Alley on behalf of The Sessions Law Firm, LLC.
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