Did you recently suffer injuries in an unexpected car accident or another incident? If so, you might be wondering whether you should call your insurance company or contact a lawyer first. Here’s what you need to know to protect your insurance claim.
Pros and Cons of Calling the Insurance Company First
If you get hurt in an accident, you might feel inclined to reach out to your insurance company first. Doing so allows you to document the incident quickly and begin the claims process without delay. Some insurance companies also require you to report compensable incidents promptly to maintain coverage eligibility, so you might call your provider quickly to avoid losing your right to file a claim.
However, there could be significant drawbacks to contacting your insurance company before consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, and you might make comments or admissions that reduce the value of your claim if you talk to them before you have a chance to think. Additionally, you might not fully understand the extent of your injuries or the costs involved in the early stages of your claim, and premature statements could restrict your compensation later.
Benefits of Contacting an Injury Lawyer Immediately
The best way to protect your rights and interests after an accident is to contact a personal injury attorney right away. The attorneys at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, can handle conversations with insurance companies so you don’t say anything that could harm your claim. We can also accurately assess the total impact of your injuries, including future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. That way, you can pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Moreover, our lawyers can take care of all the communication and negotiations with the insurance company, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your recovery. We can even take your case to court if necessary. Having a lawyer from the start discourages insurance companies from attempting to offer you less than you deserve. We are ready to act as your advocate, fighting for your interests every step of the way.
How Insurance Companies Operate After an Accident
Insurance companies are businesses, and they manage their costs by paying as little as possible. They get to work on this immediately after you notify them of the injury accident.
When you report an accident, the insurance company will assign an insurance adjuster to your case. The adjuster’s job is to investigate the accident and make your claim go away quickly and economically. They might contact you to gather statements and hear your version of events. All the while, they will be looking for reasons to reduce or deny your payout. Adjusters frequently ask claimants confusing questions to get claimants to admit fault. They then take your answers out of context in an attempt to pin the blame on the claimant.
Insurance adjusters often make a settlement offer early in the insurance claims process. They do this to close the case before you fully realize the extent of your injuries or future costs. Keep in mind that accepting an early offer could prevent you from claiming more money later, even if your expenses continue.
Protecting Your Rights by Hiring a Lawyer First
Do you need help after being injured in an accident? Don’t fall prey to insurance company tactics that could threaten your personal injury claim.
Contact the personal injury lawyers at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, today for a free consultation. We can manage your claim effectively right from the start and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to get the support you need from an experienced personal injury lawyer. Reach out now and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
