Why Should You Call an Attorney After an Auto Accident?

It is common to make mistakes after an auto accident that can jeopardize your ability to secure funds needed for recovery. Once these mistakes are made, they can be very difficult, and sometimes impossible to correct. Mistakes can include failing to recognize the seriousness of an injury, discussing details with insurance adjusters, or overpaying medical bills. However, one of the most common mistakes people make is discussing the details of their auto accident with insurance adjusters. Discussing details with an adjuster can lower the value of a car accident claim.An experienced attorney has handled dozens or hundreds of auto accident cases. They have seen every insurance company trick in the book. An attorney can help you avoid making mistakes with insurance companies after an accident.

Never Discuss Details with Another Driver’s Insurance Adjuster After an Auto Accident

Your policy may require you to notify your insurance company after an accident. The same is not true for the insurance companies of other drivers. In fact, it is dangerous to discuss anything other than identifying information about yourself to insurance adjusters from other companies. If an insurance adjuster calls you, they may attempt to do the following:

• Ask you to make a detailed statement: An insurance adjuster will want to know what happened before, during and after the accident. They will also want to know what injuries and property damage you may have suffered.

• Ask you to record conversations: They may call and ask to record a conversation (they are required to ask to record you by law). Whatever is said can be used to deny the value of your claim.

• Rush you into accepting a settlement: They may attempt to rush you into accepting a much smaller amount than what is needed to cover the cost of lost income and medical expenses.

If an insurance adjuster calls after an accident, it is best to tell them you are in the process of retaining an attorney. Insurance adjusters are not necessarily bad people, but they are not your friend. They do not have your best interests in mind, even if they sound friendly. The purpose they are most concerned with is saving the insurance companies they work for money.

Why is It Dangerous to Discuss Details with An Insurance Adjuster?

Some injuries may not materialize for several days. For example, it can take one or several days for symptoms associated with whiplash injuries to appear. Concussions may also cause problems for several weeks after an accident. If you tell an insurance adjust you are not injured, or that your injuries are minor, they may use that information to reduce the value of your claim. You may later discover your injuries will require time off from work, or cost more than expected.You may also admit partial fault for the accident, which can also be used to lower the value of your claim. There are just too many aspects of the conversation that can go wrong for you or your family.

Can an Attorney Help with Your Car Accident Claim?

The Texas personal injury attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC can help auto accident survivors or their families explore all available options for handling insurance companies. There are some issues that may arise while handling car accident claims that may not be obvious to someone without legal experience.Our attorneys can also help refer you to medical specialists in your area that are not working on behalf of the insurance companies. Medical documentation can be used to help defend your claim. Our office provides free initial consultations.