A car crash can have a huge impact on your life. In addition to dealing with the immediate aftermath — medical treatment and calling the police to deal with the accident — you will also need to deal with insurance providers. It is important for anyone who is going through this process to understand that insurance companies, as businesses, prioritize their financial health. As a result, car accident victims need to be well-informed and assertive to secure the compensation and coverage they rightly deserve.
#1: Insurance companies have their own priorities
First and foremost, recognize that an insurance company’s primary goal is to minimize payouts and preserve profits. After an accident, an insurance adjuster will scrutinize your claim, often looking for reasons to reduce the amount they have to pay. This reality does not align with the interests of accident victims, who require adequate resources for recovery.
#2: They will likely attempt to settle the claim
In an effort to meet this bottom line, the other driver’s or even your own insurance provider may reach out and offer a settlement. Although it may be tempting to accept this offer and try to put the accident behind you, it is important to carefully consider whether the amount offered meets your needs. Ask yourself if it covers the full cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation as well as replacement or repair of your vehicle and any lost wages. Take the full scope of the financial impact of the crash into account when considering the offer.
#3: You can take steps to protect your interests
You can take steps to safeguard your rights and better ensure fair treatment from insurance companies. Helpful steps can include:
- Follow proper procedures for your insurance provider: Keep your insurance card in your car so you have policy information and can easily contact insurance after an accident. Be sure to follow proper procedure so they cannot argue that you made an error that makes it difficult to receive coverage.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses and communications with the insurance company.
- Seek legal advice: Consult with a legal professional who specializes in car accident claims to navigate the complexities of insurance negotiations.
Despite your efforts, the path to obtaining fair compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often engage in tactics that can delay or reduce payouts. Victims sometimes need to pursue legal action to challenge low settlement offers or denials of legitimate claims.