Were you recently involved in a car accident? Are you assisting a loved one in this position?
If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, it won’t be long before you’re in touch with your insurance company. While it’s important to report your accident without delay, here’s something to remember: Your insurance company and agent are not always on your side.
It’s easy to believe that your insurer will do whatever it takes to make you happy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Instead, the insurance company will do whatever they can to lessen their financial burden.
Here are some of the most common car insurance claim mistakes to avoid:
— Giving a recorded or written statement before you know your rights and what you should and should not be saying.
— Accepting the first estimate that is provided to you.
— Signing a waiver or release before speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney.
— Accepting any form of final payment from the insurance company.
— Assuming that receiving any money from your insurance company is better than none at all.
Being involved in a car accident is difficult enough. The last thing you need is to complicate your situation by making a mistake during the claims process.
When you know which steps to take, when you know how to avoid trouble, you will find yourself in position to put your accident in the past. As you move forward, focus most of your attention on your health and well being. Along with this, don’t overlook the fact that you may be in position to receive compensation.
Source: FindLaw, “Car Insurance Claims: Dos and Don’ts,” accessed April 26, 2017
