Things to Know when Dealing with an Insurance Company After an Accident

Whenever you sustain injuries or damages in a car accident, you have a right to file for a lawsuit. However, seeking compensation is easier said than done. Whether you decide to go through the court process or choose to negotiate with the defendant, you will require the services of a Georgia personal injury lawyer. 

In most cases, going for an out-of-court settlement comes with an array of benefits. Apart from being less costly, negotiating with an insurance company takes very little time. However, it also comes with a number of challenges. From negotiating for the most favorable terms to knowing how to negotiate with an insurance adjuster, the entire process can be daring. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Read on to find out things that you should know about insurance companies after an accident. 

Insurance Adjusters Are Trained Negotiators

Insurance companies often hire adjusters to negotiate the best terms for them. These adjusters are always paid with regards to how they negotiate with you. Insurance adjusters will always strive to be friendly to you in a bid to gain your trust and lose up to the negotiations. However, regardless of how kind and helpful the insurance adjuster seems to be, remember that he/she is looking out for the insurance company’s best interests. 

The job of the insurance adjuster is to protect the interests of the insurance company. As such, these individuals are meticulously trained to minimize the amount of money that will be paid out to you as claimed. 

Do Not Automatically Accept the First Settlement

After a motor vehicle accident, you will need money to sort your medical bills as well as repair your vehicle. So, you may be under immense pressure to source money to cater to your needs. Insurance companies know that you will be vulnerable and will always offer the least possible settlement right away. 

The insurance company will do everything to get you to settle your accident claim as quickly as possible to minimize the amount that it has to pay for your injuries and damages. However, you shouldn’t go into a quick settlement. In most cases, you may not realize the full extent of your injuries and damages yet. Therefore, accepting the first settlement offer given by an insurance company could possibly result in you coming in short as your medical bills pile up. Ensure to always consult your lawyer to help you with the negotiations. 

The Insurance Company Will Try to Avoid Paying Your Medical Expenses

As mentioned before, insurance companies try as much as possible to minimize the settlement offer in every way possible. One of the most common payments that insurance companies will try to avoid paying is medical expenses. Due to this, the insurance company will suggest that you are trying to commit fraud by lying about your injuries.

The insurance company will go ahead and try to underestimate the extent of your injuries by claiming that your injuries were part of a pre-existing condition. Also, they will be more inclined to make these accusations if you did not go to the emergency room immediately after the accident or lack relevant documentation to substantiate your claims. 

While this is the case, it’s important to note that you and your lawyer can turn the situation to your advantage. Since the insurance companies will find the slightest excuse to discredit your claims, it’s important to ensure that you keep all the relevant documents and records of your visits to the doctor, including all the bills that you paid as part of your medical expenses. 

Wrap Up

Whenever you are involved in a motor accident, you are entitled by law to get reasonable compensation for your medical bills, wages lost, and any pain and suffering that you may have experienced. It’s for this reason that you should be vigilant when negotiating with your insurance company. Now that you know how insurance companies operate, you are better placed to negotiate for the best terms possible.