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If you get into a car accident, whether it was your fault or not, you can benefit from understanding the “insider” ways that the insurance industry handles accident claims.
Claims Handled Promptly
While it may seem like a benefit at first to have your accident claim processed quickly, especially if you need to get your car working again as soon as possible, if there are injuries caused by the accident, settling for a fast payout of your claim may be a mistake.
Injuries from a car accident may not show up right away. If you settle your claim prematurely, you may be hit with medical bills later that would have been covered but are not paid, since your claim was already processed. You want to avoid the problem of your case being closed by your insurance company before the medical problem develops.
Friendly Insurance Adjuster
When you are in need, a kind person may be a godsend. Insurance companies are aware of this psychological fact and hire insurance adjusters who possess excellent people skills to manage claims effectively. The adjuster may suggest that they want to provide you with a check as soon as possible and encourage you to accept it without consulting an attorney.
The problem is that their main goal is to settle accident claims for the lowest amount possible. When clients accept a settlement without consulting an attorney, the amount may be far less than what they are actually entitled to receive.
Working with a personal injury attorney can help you better navigate the insurance process. Attorneys can aid in investigating the accident, gathering evidence, dealing with the insurance company and ultimately working toward a fair outcome. Severity of injuries, complex accidents and unclear fault are all good reasons to consider talking with an attorney.
Understanding No Fault Rules
If you live in a state that requires no fault insurance your insurance will be the coverage you rely upon. Even if the accident was clearly not your fault, your insurance will pay the claim up to the policy limits and then your insurance company may seek reimbursement from the other party’s insurance.
Even if no fault insurance is not required where you live, it is probably a good idea to carry this added coverage because of the risk of being in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Paying Medical Bills
While processing your accident claim, many are faced with pressure to pay medical bills. Rather than settling a claim prematurely, you may want to finance these bills based on your legitimate insurance claim. Consult an attorney to learn more about the merits of your case and ask if your medical bills can be financed based on your case.
Your Insurance Rates Will Likely Go Up
If the accident is serious, you will have to rely on your insurance; however, for a minor fender bender you may be better off if you simply pay for the repairs and do not make an insurance claim.
There is No Out-of-Pocket Cost to Have Legal Counsel
Consulting with an attorney, especially before signing any settlement or other documents from your insurance company is a wise idea. Car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee, which means that they get a percentage of the settlement they negotiate on your behalf. You don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for legal representation. If they fail to prevail in your case, you are not responsible for the legal bills.