In the aftermath of a car accident, there are many things that need to be taken care of. Medical bills, mechanic’s bills, car damage, injuries, and even death are all issues that may occur as the result of an accident.
At this stressful time, you should not be dealing with these problems alone. Talk to an attorney who can deal with the insurance companies.
The car insurance company may be willing to pay some costs related to the accident, but be wary of any ‘deal’ they may offer you. Make sure to have an attorney who can look over the offer and work to negotiate a better deal.
7 Reasons You Should Hire an Attorney
Here are a few reasons why you should not trust insurance companies after an accident:
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Their Goals and Your Goals Are Not the Same
An insurance company, like any business, wants to limit liability wherever possible. On the other hand, you want to be justly compensated for all of the pain and suffering related to your accident, and be left with peace of mind.
An attorney can be your representative, negotiating with the insurance company so that you can spend time recovering from your accident and getting back to normal life.
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They Want to Pay You as Little as Possible
Immediately after an accident, the car insurance company will be in contact with you to try and resolve your case as soon as possible.
To that end, they will make you an offer (probably for much less than your claim is worth) and hope you accept it. Know your rights and be prepared. Talk to an experienced attorney first!
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They May Lie to You About Your Injuries
Once your injuries are evaluated by a doctor, the insurance company will probably try to explain away some of your injuries as ‘pre-existing conditions’ in order to deny your claim.
This is a common tactic, and even if you have a pre-existing condition that was made worse by an accident, you are still entitled to compensation. Call an experienced car accident attorney who will fight to make sure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
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If You Do Not Take Their First Offer, They May Not Offer You Anything
Car insurance companies will typically lowball their first offer. If you try to reject it, they may threaten you with no compensation.
This is a scare tactic to bait you into accepting their original offer. Do not be fooled by this move. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can get the fair and full settlement you deserve.
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They Will Tell You Their In-Network Mechanic or Doctor is the Only Option
This is not true. You have a choice, and if you believe their ‘in-network’ providers will not play fair, an attorney can help you find a trustworthy mechanic or doctor.
Evaluations from trusted professionals can help our attorneys determine the real value of your claim.
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They Will Try to Limit Your Coverage
The insurance company may tell you that they only cover auto damage and some medical bills. Depending on the policy, you may be covered for pain and suffering, lost wages, child care, funeral costs, and more.
Don’t let them tell you what is and isn’t covered. Get a car accident attorney who will fight for you and find out what you’re really covered for.
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They Will Tell You Not to Trust Lawyers
Insurance companies prey on the vulnerable and ill-informed. During such a difficult time, it may be tempting to believe them when they say that they are here to support you.
Their main agenda is to limit costs, so they will tell you not to hire a lawyer and that lawyers cannot be trusted. It’s actually the other way around.
Car accident attorneys do not get paid unless they win your case, so they will fight hard to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Final Verdict
Remember, it’s you who is hiring the car accident attorney. They will work best to get you the maximum coverage. It’s always better to stay on the safe side as accidents involve financial matters and your insurer may not be willing to pay the full damage expenses.