Is the insurance company asking you to make a statement? Are they asking you to sign a release or give them access to medical or other documents? Are they asking you to settle your claim? Do you find the entire interaction overwhelming? An accident is already stressful enough. Unfortunately, some insurance companies add to that stress with pushy questions or demands. You might even receive a settlement offer in the days, weeks or months after your accident before you have fully recovered.
Don't be fooled. The insurance company is not on your side, and that early settlement offer probably doesn't cover damages beyond your current expenses.
Let us talk to the insurance company and address their questions and demands on your behalf.
Here are just a few of the ways insurers might try to keep your settlement low:
- Insurers may use your statement against you.
Insurance companies record conversations or make notes about all conversations they have with you. Even throwaway lines like, "I'm sorry," or "I didn't see the other driver," can be misconstrued to suggest responsibility for the accident. If you leave a piece of information out of your statement then the insurance company may argue that you are changing your story or lying. Let us talk to the insurance company for you. We will give them the information they need and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Preszler Law has been around for more than 50 years. We know how to deal with insurance companies. - Insurers may try to get your medical records.
The insurance company will need some of your medical records pertaining to the accident, but if you release your entire medical history, the insurer may look for ways to blame your current injuries on preexisting conditions. The insurance company may also seek out medical records that involve personal matters and have nothing to do with the accident. If the insurance company asks you to sign anything, let us review it first. We will tell you what records should remain private and what records are needed to prove your case. - Insurers may try to get you to settle for less. Insurance companies know that many accident victims panic with the expenses they experience after an accident. Insurance companies often take advantage of your stressful circumstances by offering lowball settlements before you've recovered.
Do not fall for this trick. You will only know the value of your case when you know what your injuries are and how long they will last. Your concern should be focused on your long-term future. Only through consultations with an experienced lawyer and medical experts will you know the true value of your case. Let us review any settlement offers the insurance company makes, compile the necessary evidence to identify the value of your case, and then negotiate for an amount that covers all your damages, expenses and losses.