It’s hardly surprising that insurance firms are notoriously tight with their cash when it comes to paying out claims. After all, they make a living off of the expectation that their customers would never utilize them. When it’s time for you to “cash in,” though, they’ll do anything they can to avoid making good on their promise or, at the absolute least, to pay you as little as possible. This leaves you in a predicament whereby you are often left dramatically out of pocket, even though you spend a decent chunk of your paycheck on them either monthly or annually. So what can you do to ensure you aren’t getting stiffed and are able to recover in peace?
Hire A Lawyer As Soon After The Accident As Possible
Thanks to the obscenely complex nature of the legal system and insurance in general, individuals with no prior legal experience have virtually zero chance of gaining recourse. Nevertheless, that’s why lawyers exist, to stand by your side and help you through these tricky situations. Regarding insurance, because a car accident case might take six months to resolve, it can be a real boon to have a legal professional by your side to assist you in getting access to interim payments to cover your main expenses in order to expedite the healing process. An insurance company usually offers these interim payments in the hope that they will gain it back from the defendant’s own insurance company, but they can be challenging to acquire unless you have an experienced attorney doing the job on your behalf.
Contact Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible To Make A Claim
If you want to make the job as painless as possible, you should contact your insurance company as soon as it is viable. This will not only allow the process to get underways immediately but could also avoid issues related to non-payment. If you wait too long to report an accident, for instance, your insurer could use that fact to deny you compensation. Be honest and accurate when describing the accident and any injuries sustained. Your insurance company will investigate the accident and may request additional information or documentation to support your claim. Also, be aware that providing false or misleading information can result in your claim being denied or even legal consequences.
Gather Documentation Related To The Accident And Any Related Expenses
This step should be relatively straightforward because, as with any accident involving potential litigation, you must gather as much evidence as is relevant. This will help make a strong case for your claim and ensure you receive proper compensation. You should begin by compiling details about the incident, such as the other motorist’s time, place, and contact information, along with any other people involved. Document the injuries and vehicle damage using photographs and find out how to get in touch with any witnesses to the incident.
Provide The Insurance Company With A Copy Of The Police Report
If your accident was serious enough and the police become involved, you will need to request a copy of their report. In most larger cities, you can get this paperwork online or from your local police station. The accident report may tell you a lot about what happened, from who was at blame to how badly the vehicles were damaged to whether or not anyone was hurt. This information is valuable to the insurance company since it is often the only official documentation consisting of trustworthy and unbiased information they can use to come to a conclusion. This report will help expedite the claims process and ensure that all parties involved are appropriately compensated for damages or injuries. Moreover, you can use the report in court if you need to initiate litigation.
Keep A Detailed Record Of All Communication With Them That You Can Refer Back To If Needed
In order to safeguard your rights and guarantee that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled, it is essential that you retain a thorough record of all communications with insurance companies and documents relating to the accident. In fact, in the age of big data, it’s almost criminal to contact any official entity without gathering some form of record that can help your case. You can achieve this by insisting that all communication is done via email, and if they want to speak with you, they can do so via your attorney.
Be Prepared To Negotiate With The Insurance Company
In some cases where you are unable to prove you weren’t at fault, or if your lawyer advises you, it might be worthwhile negotiating some form of settlement directly with your insurance company. When dealing with the insurance company, be firm in your demands but also be willing to listen to their side. Try to find common ground and compromise where possible. If you’re not getting the desired results, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue, speak to a supervisor, or file a complaint with your state’s insurance ombudsman. If you chose to work with a lawyer, they would probably do this on your behalf, and in almost all citations, you should let them. They have the experience to deal with the company and know exactly what to say in order to achieve the best results.
Understand Your Legal Rights And Options If Necessary
As mentioned already, insurance companies are in the business of making profits, so they may try to minimize your claim or offer you a settlement that’s less than what you deserve. It’s essential to keep in mind that insurance companies are not on your side, despite their friendly demeanor. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, you could coopt your lawyer to begin proceedings against the company itself. Most of the time, when they see a looming legal risk, they will yield and provide you with the compensation you deserve.
It’s not easy dealing with insurance agencies because they tend to be highly reticent in parting with any amount of cash. Nonetheless, with an experienced legal team on your side and an understanding of the correct steps to take, you can usually bypass these issues and get everything you are due.
