How much do you really know about car insurance?
For most people, a car accident is a once-in-a-lifetime event. That is a good thing, but it can leave you at a serious disadvantage when it comes to dealing with your insurance company. Your insurer deals with accidents every single day — and you may have little or no experience with insurance claims.
Understanding some of the most common car insurance myths can help you protect your right to compensation. Your or the other driver’s insurance company may rely on some of these myths to try to reduce your claim for compensation. By learning the truth about these myths, you’ll be in a stronger position when it comes to fighting for your right to compensation.
Myth: Insurance Adjusters Are Here to Help
While the insurance adjuster who comes to evaluate the damage to your car and your injuries may seem like a nice person (and may actually be one!), the fact is that his or her job is to save his employer money — not to get you the most money for your losses. That is why it’s smart to keep in mind that the adjuster’s job is to minimize your claim. You should proceed with caution when speaking to your adjuster — or have him or her speak directly to your lawyer instead.
Myth: You Don’t Need a Lawyer
Insurance companies often try to discourage victims of car accidents from hiring lawyers. They may tell you that you don’t need a lawyer because you’ll get a fair settlement for your injuries. The truth is that working with a lawyer can result in a far bigger settlement or award than you would otherwise get, because personal injury lawyers understand what your case is worth and how to get the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Myth: Your Injuries Aren’t Related to the Accident
Insurance companies also may try to minimize your claims by stating that your injuries are because of your age or a pre-existing condition. But even if you already had medical problems, the accident may have made them worse — and you are entitled to damages for any additional pain, suffering or medical treatment caused by the accident. Medical professionals can testify as to the cause of your injuries — which is why you shouldn’t believe the insurance company when they attempt to tell you that your injuries were not related to the accident.
Myth: You Have to Allow the Adjuster to Record A Statement to Get A Quick Settlement
As discussed above, an insurance adjuster’s job is to reduce the amount of money that his employer pays out on accident claims. The reason why adjusters want to record your statement is to use your words against you. The tone of your voice, a lack of emotion or anything you say can be used to show that you aren’t actually in pain or didn’t suffer as badly as you claim. That is why it is smart to talk to a lawyer about your rights before giving any statement to the insurance company.
Myth: Getting a Lawyer Will Delay Your Claim
While it is true that the legal process can be quite lengthy, there is no guarantee of a fair or even quick settlement if you go without a lawyer. Studies have shown that having a lawyer results in higher insurance settlements, and oftentimes, a delay may be worth it to be fully compensated. While each case is different, it is very possible to quickly settle your case for a fair amount with an attorney — and you will likely recover far more than you would have without a lawyer’s assistance.
Insurance companies are in business to make money, not to give you as much compensation as possible. That is why these myths are so pervasive; they are used to get accident victims to settle quickly, without a lawyer, so that the insurance companies pay out as little as possible. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we understand these tricks — and we know how to fight back. Contact our office today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule an appointment. Initial consultations are always free, and we never charge out clients a fee unless we recover money for them.
