In current culture, liability insurance providers play a crucial and vital role in helping accident victims swiftly and easily obtain reimbursement for their damages. In order to keep claim expenses as low as possible, insurance firms are known to look for ways to deny coverage and use whatever legal strategies at their disposal.
By holding to the following beliefs, accident victims frequently contribute to the reduction of their own compensation. If you have questions, or you have been injured in an auto accident, contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 for a free legal consultation.
Myth: If you file a claim, your rates will go up
There is a common misconception that filing any kind of claim for an accident would raise your auto insurance rates. The truth is that because causing an accident might damage your driving safety record, your rates will only increase if you were at fault for it. By law, the insurance company cannot increase your rates if you file a claim after an accident that wasn’t your fault against another person’s insurance coverage or against your own uninsured motorist policy.
Myth: You need to record a statement right away
Insurance adjusters are frequently quite keen to get everyone engaged in recorded statements after an event. Sadly, this can occasionally lead to victims being under pressure to speak publicly when they are still outraged and perplexed about the events that led to the disaster. While lying in casual chat with the adjuster won’t do any harm to you, if your lie is caught on tape, it may be used against you as evidence in court. It is recommended to wait until after discussing your situation with an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
Myth: To receive your money, you must move quickly
The idea that accident victims should jump at the earliest opportunity to receive compensation is another urban legend that insurance firms greatly enjoy spreading. The best offer is almost seldom the first one made by the insurance company. They have undoubtedly left money in their budget for a larger payout since they anticipate you to make a counteroffer, but you won’t get it unless you ask!
Accepting an early settlement offer comes with the very serious risk that both you and the insurance provider may be misinformed about the type and severity of your injuries. It is crucial to postpone even starting to think about a settlement offer until after you have received a prognosis for your recovery and an estimate of your overall medical bills from an experienced doctor. Remember that you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit, so do not move too quickly.
Myth: If you don’t intend to sue, you don’t need a lawyer
The idea that you only need legal representation if you want to sue the insurance provider is a last urban legend that you should never buy into. In fact, a lawyer can be a huge asset during negotiations with the insurance provider. It is highly recommended to hire legal counsel as soon as possible to assist in gathering the proof required to support your claim, in accurately estimating your damages, and in persuading the insurance company to consider your claim seriously.
Call us at (310) 209-1600 to set up a free initial appointment with Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn if you’d like professional assistance about your auto accident injury claim.
