If you are someone who is going through a personal injury after experiencing an accident, you need to know the dos and don’ts of dealing with insurance companies. Educating yourself will prepare you to understand the tactics of insurance companies easily.
If you are living in Plano, don’t forget to involve a personal injury attorney in Plano since a lawyer can help you understand the legal point of view while dealing with insurance companies.
How to Deal with A Car Accident?
Calling the concerned authorities, like the police, should be the initial step after experiencing injuries in a car accident. Police will release their official report, and you need to save a copy of that report. Usually, people don’t really report an accident to the police, thinking it is a minor accident.
But the way police can investigate an accident is something to consider. Police have all the required resources to conduct an in-depth investigation and release an official report. Having a copy of that report should be your priority, as it can serve as perfect evidence when discussing your settlement with insurance companies.
After this, your second step should be to schedule a meeting with other driver. Exchange necessary information with them like names, contact, address information, number plates and, insurance policies, etc. Also, try to take photographs of the accident scene, look for any witnesses, and collect their contact information.
After gathering all this information, you are now ready to contact your insurance company. But before that, hire a suitable lawyer who will deal with your insurance company for you and inform them about the incident. After receiving all the required information, your insurance company will start processing your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies, Do’s and Don’ts
Dealing with insurance companies can be very draining as they can use clever tactics to manipulate victims. If you are going through a personal injury claim, we suggest you get some help from your lawyer.
Don’t be alone while dealing with insurance companies; always have some resources and a legal team to back you up. Let us look into some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s to Follow
● Stay Calm
Experiencing an accident is not easy; It can be traumatizing for life. Even if your injuries are all healed with time, your memory cannot erase the traumatizing thoughts of the incident. However, staying calm and collected right after the incident is crucial. Only then will you be able to take further necessary steps to recover your damages.
● Learn About Your Policy
Oftentimes, people don’t take the time to read their policies thoroughly. We suggest you take time and carefully read and learn what your policy is covering. This will guide you about the future actions of your company and what to expect from them.
● Contact your Insurance Company Early On
It is required for you to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the processing of your claim early on. Inform them about your condition and accident early on so they can start working on your claim.
● Be Transparent
Try being transparent and honest with your insurance company to save time. If you are not transparent enough, processing your claim will take much longer.
● Save All the Documents
Collect and save all the documents related to your accident, like your medical bills, expenses, reports, and other documents. You can utilize them for your claim in the coming future.
● Take Pictures
Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, property damages, and any other important stuff. Be quick in collecting this photographic evidence, as it can be removed or modified with time.
● Follow Up
Keep in touch with your insurance company. They may need updated information from you regarding the accident, so stay consistent in updating your company about any new developments in your case.
● Connect With An Experienced Attorney
Know the importance of hiring an experienced and knowledgeable attorney suitable for your situation. Invest some time to find the best attorney so that you can experience a smooth legal processing of your claim.
Don’ts:
Now that you understand all the essential dos to follow, it is time to know what to avoid:
● Review Documents
Don’t sign any paper or document given to you by any insurance company without discussing and reviewing it with your attorney. There could be some hidden clause that is against you, and your signing that document means you are putting your compensation in danger.
● Don’t Give Your Statement
Don’t say anything crucial or serious that can be used against you by the insurance providers. Always have the guidance of your attorney before taking any step.
● Reject the Initial Offer
Usually, insurance companies come up with a quick settlement offer and manipulate the victim to accept it. But beware, it is usually lesser than the actual deserved settlement.
● Don’t Wait to Call Your Attorney
There can be a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case, so you don’t want to wait to hire an attorney. Get in touch with one as soon as you can.
● Do Not Hesitate
Accept that you, as a victim, cannot deal with all the pain of the accident, loss, and damages along with your legal case alone. Always get help from an experienced advocate to fight for your deserved rights.
