Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident: How a Lawyer Can Help

After an accident, dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most challenging parts of the recovery process. While insurers are supposed to help compensate for your losses, they often prioritize their bottom line over your needs. The Texas Department of Insurance provides helpful steps to getting your insurance claim paid by insurance companies. We provide a useful guide in this article that can help you know what to do if you are involved in an accident in Edinburg, the Rio Grande Valley, and Texas. 

Understanding the Role of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their goal is to minimize the amount they pay in claims. Even though adjusters may seem sympathetic, their primary job is to protect their company’s financial interests. This often leads to tactics designed to reduce or deny your claim.

Here are some common tactics insurance companies might use:

• Delaying the Claims Process: Insurers may drag out the process in the hopes that you will settle for a lower amount just to get it over with.
• Lowball Settlement Offers: It’s common for insurance companies to offer a settlement that is much lower than what you deserve, hoping you will accept it without further negotiation.
• Disputing Liability: The insurer may try to argue that their policyholder wasn’t at fault, which can significantly reduce the payout or shift liability onto you.
• Requesting Excessive Documentation: Adjusters may ask for unnecessary or burdensome paperwork in an attempt to complicate the claims process and discourage you from pursuing your claim.
• Using Your Statements Against You: Even casual conversations with an adjuster can be twisted to minimize your claim. They might try to get you to say things that can later be used to argue you were at fault or exaggerating your injuries.

Steps to Take When Dealing with Insurance Companies

To protect your rights and avoid common pitfalls when dealing with insurance companies, consider the following steps:

1. Report the Accident Promptly: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Be concise and stick to the facts. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
2. Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with the insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and letters. Document your injuries, medical treatments, and expenses related to the accident.
3. Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement: Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements. It’s best to consult with a lawyer before giving any statement, as anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.
4. Don’t Accept the First Offer: Initial settlement offers are usually much lower than the true value of your claim. Never feel pressured to accept the first offer without evaluating whether it covers all of your damages.
5. Know the Value of Your Claim: Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. This can help you determine whether the settlement offer is fair.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Insurance Claims

Hiring an attorney to represent you after an accident can significantly improve the outcome of your claim. Here’s how a lawyer can assist throughout the process:

1. Negotiating with the Insurance Company: Attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. They know the tactics insurers use and can push back against lowball offers, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
2. Evaluating the Worth of Your Claim: Lawyers understand the full scope of damages that you are entitled to, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity. They will work to get you compensation that fully accounts for all of your losses.
3. Handling Complex Legal Issues: If the insurance company disputes liability or argues that you were partially at fault, an attorney can gather evidence and build a strong case to support your claim.
4. Dealing with Legal Deadlines: Accident claims are subject to various deadlines, such as the statute of limitations. Missing these deadlines can result in your claim being denied. A lawyer will ensure that all paperwork is filed on time and correctly.
5. Communicating on Your Behalf: Once you have legal representation, your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company. This reduces the risk of you saying something that could harm your case.
6. Filing a Lawsuit If Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. This shows the insurer that you are serious about seeking compensation and can increase the likelihood of a better settlement.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, especially if:

• You’ve suffered significant injuries.
• The insurance company disputes liability or delays processing your claim.
• You’re offered a settlement that seems too low.
• You’re unsure of how to calculate the full extent of your damages.
• The insurance company is asking for a recorded statement or excessive documentation.
• You want to ensure your rights are protected from the start.

The Benefits of Legal Representation

Having a lawyer on your side can level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies. Instead of trying to navigate a complicated system alone, you’ll have a legal advocate fighting for your best interests. Feel free to contact us if you need a strong, capable lawyer to represent you and get the help you deserve. Brasure Law Firm will work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your recovery.

We Can Help You If You Are Injured

Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be stressful and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. By seeking help from a knowledgeable attorney, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of securing the compensation you need to recover.

If you’ve been involved in an accident and are struggling to deal with insurance companies, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer for a consultation.