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There is nothing fun about dealing with insurance companies after an accident, even if you weren’t the one who caused the crash. Unfortunately, it’s a necessary process, and insurance companies who represent negligent parties have no obligation to pay you the money you need after a severe injury. However, it’s often the things you do or say that can impact your claim.
Insurance adjusters look for different ways they can deny paying out maximum compensation. They’ll delay claims and more to make an already difficult situation almost unbearable. With the right team on your side, though, you can protect yourself from the problems that can arise when dealing with insurance companies and their employees.
Before you start the process, you should know the different things to avoid saying or doing after the collision that can cause insurance adjusters to deny your claim. Below, we’ll explain these problems that you may encounter and how to protect yourself.
Here are 10 things to avoid saying or doing after a crash:
- Don’t apologize for the crash
- Don’t provide a recorded statement alone
- Don’t sound uncertain
- Don’t post damaging items on social media
- Don’t delete your posts off social media
- Don’t forget vital information at the accident scene
- Don’t wait to get medical treatment
- Don’t listen to insurance adjusters’ lies
- Don’t accept an initial settlement
- Don’t go through the process without a lawyer
Call our firm today and discuss your case with a skilled legal advocate: (503) 543-1114.
1. Don’t Apologize for the Crash
You can feel empathetic regarding the crash and the situation. However, if you say the words “I’m sorry” or “I apologize,” the other driver may report your statements to their insurance provider. In turn, insurance adjusters will try to use your apology as a reason to deny your claim.
Put your feelings aside during this time so you can protect your ability to file a claim. Your statements should be clear and concise, not apologetic.
2. Don’t Provide a Recorded Statement Alone
Insurance adjusters will request that you provide them with a recorded statement with details of your crash. Unfortunately, this recording can be used against you if the insurance adjuster finds contradicting statements, problems within your claim, and other things you say to put the fault on you.
During the recorded statement, you have the right to have legal counsel to help you with answers. The more legal protection you have, the better. You can prevent yourself from sabotaging your accident case by having a legal advocate deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
3. Don’t Sound Uncertain
When you speak about the accident with insurance adjusters, be confident, and explain what happened. If you are uncertain about the situation, insurance adjusters may claim that your memory of your accident is fuzzy, and their statements can hurt your case.
4. Don’t Post Damaging Items On Social Media
Even if you’ve adjusted your profile settings to private, insurance adjusters have ways to see what you are posting on social media. The things you post—such as photos of you doing activities after an injury—can be used to put you at fault for the accident, making it difficult for you to obtain maximum compensation.
We encourage you to avoid any damaging remarks on social media about your case. If you can, avoid the use of social media altogether to prevent problems with your case.
5. Don’t Delete Your Posts Off Social Media
Deleting posts about your past injuries, the accident, and more can be detrimental. Insurance adjusters may claim that you are destroying evidence, which not only impacts your ability to obtain compensation, but it can also lead to further legal trouble.
6. Don’t Forget Vital Information at the Accident Scene
There are several steps to take after an accident, including exchanging information with the other driver(s). However, missing out on specific details can make it more difficult to file your claim or a lawsuit. For instance, if you don’t ask for the other driver’s insurance policy, your insurance company and a legal team may not be able to pursue compensation.
Collect the following information:
- The other driver’s license
- License plate number
- Insurance name and policy information
- Contact information
The more you can provide to your team, the better.
7. Don’t Wait to Get Medical Treatment
Some injuries have latency issues, meaning you may not feel the pain immediately after your accident. However, it is in your best interest to see a doctor as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more insurance companies may claim your injury isn’t severe or you are not injured at all. These statements can severely damage your claim.
Getting medical treatment soon after the accident helps you start your treatment, and builds a medical record that you can use for your claim. The medical record helps show that you suffered damages because of negligence—a key aspect in pursuing compensation.
8. Don’t Listen to Insurance Adjusters’ Lies
Insurance adjusters work for large corporations. Insurance companies train their employees to protect profits, and they often act friendly and take advantage of claimants’ rights. It’s best to work with a legal professional who recognizes devious tactics to protect you from insurance adjusters.
Insurance adjusters may try to tell you that you don’t need a lawyer or that you can’t get anything more than what they offer you in a settlement. It helps to ensure you speak with legal counsel and don’t believe everything these trained professionals have to tell you.
9. Don’t Accept an Initial Settlement
You don’t have to accept an initial settlement offer if it doesn’t meet your needs. Unfortunately, these settlement offers are the insurance company’s way of paying out as little as possible. You may negotiate for more compensation with the help of a lawyer, and if insurance companies don’t offer what you need, you may need to go through a trial.
10. Don’t Go Through the Process Without a Lawyer
Because insurance companies, adjusters, and their legal teams go through claims daily, they know the various ways to deny claims and protect themselves. You may be unaware of your rights when filing a claim, so it’s in your best interests to have legal counsel on your side to get the most out of your case.
If you have a lawyer on your side, you level the playing field against insurance companies. You show them that you’re serious about obtaining compensation, and they’re less likely to try their unethical tactics when we get involved.
At The Gatti Law Firm, we don’t let insurance adjusters get away with paying out less than our clients deserve. We go above and beyond to hold negligence accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available to you.
Our Salem car accident lawyers serve clients throughout Oregon, and we do whatever we can to build a strong case on your behalf. Trust us to be in your corner every step of the way as we go against large corporations who are more focused on profit than people. We’re ready to be your voice.
Ready to discuss your case? Call us today at (503) 543-1114 and learn how we may be able to help you throughout the process of filing a claim and lawsuit.