If you have been involved in a car accident that has left you injured, you need to be very careful about what you say and how you interact with the insurance company. The wrong actions can negatively affect any personal injury settlement that you may be entitled to. Unfortunately, there are many myths out there related to insurance companies and car accidents. Learning the truth about these myths will help you avoid a mistake that may wind up costing you later.
Myth 1: The Insurance Company is Looking Out for Your Best Interest
One of the biggest myths out there is that the insurance company is fair, honest and looking out for your best interests. This is not true. Insurance companies are for-profit. Most have shareholders they have to answer to and most are looking to make as much money as possible. As such, the insurance company is not looking to make it easy for you to collect the maximum amount of money you may be entitled to after an auto accident. They are looking for ways to save themselves money, often at your expense.
Myth 2: You Have to Agree to a Recorded Statement After the Accident
Another myth related to insurance companies and car accidents is that you have to give a recorded statement in regards to the accident when you are asked to. This is not true. You have the right to decline giving a recorded statement, or any type of statement. The insurance company wants you to give a recorded statement so you are locked in to your version of what happened and how you currently feel. However, you may feel worse days after an accident or you may recall key pieces of information after the fact. Do not give a recorded statement and lock yourself in to a version of what happened when you don't feel well, are confused or are anxious and stressed out after an accident.
Myth 3: A Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company is the Final Offer
The last myth related to car accidents and insurance companies is that a settlement offer is their final offer. Settlement offers are negotiable and you should never accept the first offer. If you are presented with a settlement offer you are considering, always have an attorney look it over to ensure it is fair and reasonable before you sign it. Once you sign it, there is no going back.
If you have been involved in a car accident that has left you injured, consulting with and hiring a personal injury lawyer is advised. An auto accident lawyer can help guide you through the process of dealing with the insurance company, filing your claim and settling your case, helping you to receive the maximum amount of money you may be entitled to.
Share22 December 2017
Like many people, I once found learning about law very intimidating. My brother went to law school and I remember glancing through a few of his books and wondering if I was actually reading English due to all of the legal jargon in them! However, when I ended up in a sticky legal situation due to accidentally breaking a small law I didn't know existed, I realized that I needed to learn more about the law, so I could make sure to follow it precisely in the future. My brother helped to break down some complicated legal concepts to me, and I have since been studying up online. I want to post what I have learned and continue to learn about law in the future on my new blog, so my knowledge cannot only help myself, but also help others!