The events following a car accident can be overwhelming for those involved. Victims have to face medical treatment and recovery, getting back into work, and taking care of their damaged vehicle all within a short timeframe.
Unfortunately, they also have to deal with an insurance company that may seem like it is fighting them every step along the way. It can be especially frustrating when you’re going through everything alone without the help of a Miami car accident lawyer.
Usually, insurance companies do everything they can to pay you less than the deserved compensation for car accident injuries. This is why you should never deal with your insurance alone, but should instead have a seasoned car accident lawyer by your side to help.
Here are some tips about dealing with insurance companies after a car accident:
Never Downplay Your Injuries
When a car accident victim downplays their injuries to an insurance adjuster, the victim gives the insurance company more reasons to settle for smaller compensation. If you say that you were only slightly hurt in your accident then there is no need for major compensation. However, if it was a very serious injury and a potentially life-altering situation, then a fair amount would be expected from the insurance company.
Note that car accidents injuries can take months or even years before they fully manifest, even after medical care. For example, a motor vehicle accident victim could have had whiplash or a traumatic head injury after the event and still not show symptoms for months.
If the victim’s previous statements are inconsistent with the later personal injury claim, those earlier versions will be used against them in court proceedings and they may not recover full compensation. It is imperative to speak with Miami car accident lawyers about a possible claim before talking to the insurance company.
Never Admit Fault
Car accident victims are often left feeling like they’re at fault. But the truth is, there’s no way to know what happened in an accident without all the information. Even if you think it was partially your fault, there is a chance the other driver was distracted or texting. In personal injury cases, if you admit fault, your chance of recovering damages may be completely jeopardized. You should speak with a Miami car accident lawyer first if you possibly have a car accident claim.
You Don’t Have to Give a Statement
Giving a recorded statement about your accident might seem harmless, but it could hurt your car accident claims if done incorrectly. Understand that you are under no obligation to provide a recorded statement to your insurance company without a personal injury lawyer present. Rather, you should speak with your Miami car accident attorney first before giving any statements regarding the incident. An experienced car accident lawyer will ensure you provide an accurate report of the event and recover the full amount of your compensation in the long run.
Speak With Miami Car Accident Attorneys
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney is the single most important step you can take to protect your interests after a Miami car accident. Insurance adjusters may act like they want to do right by their customers, but it’s just business – and their job is to maximize profits for the insurance company!
The team at the personal injury law firm Kaire & Heffernan is here to advocate for your rights and aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf. Our personal injury lawyers and support staff will work diligently to help secure the best possible outcome in your Florida car accident case. Contact us online or call our Miami law office toll-free at 305-376-7860 to discuss how we can help you. An experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference in getting you the compensation you deserve after a car accident.