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What to do When Speaking to the Insurance Company
The time following a car crash can be complex and individuals can run into a number of potential problems along the way. Unfortunately, this situation is only made worse when having to deal with the insurance company for a number of reasons.
Far too often, these insurance companies are only looking out for their bottom line—their own profit. This often means devaluing your injuries and denying liability. When you’re already dealing with the hardships of an injury after an accident, you need someone to help you deal with the insurance company.
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Do Not Rush Into any Settlements
One tactic that insurance companies will try to employ when dealing with a claim is to pressure you into an initial settlement right off the bat. Insurance companies have tricked people into accepting lowball settlements that they offer very quickly with a take it or leave it attitude. They know that you may really need the money and the prospect of easy money attained very quickly and conveniently may sound tempting but you owe yourself better than to take an initial offer. With an attorney at your side, the insurance company will think twice about attempting any lowball offers and pressuring to end the claim quickly and cheaply.
Avoid Speaking with the Insurance Company Alone
Many insurance companies will ask that you provide them with a recorded statement of the accident. When this is done by the defendant’s insurance company, they are looking for any statements they can use against you and in favor of their own client.
You have the right to tell the insurance company that you do not want to make any statements—especially on a recording—without having your lawyer present. Or you can have your lawyer answer any questions the insurance company may have so you don’t say something they can use against you.
Click To ContactDon’t Say Any Statements That May Be Used as an Admission of Guilt
Following an accident, one thing an insurance company may ask their defendant is if you said anything that may be used against you as an admission of guilt. It’s unfortunate, but even sympathy can be used against you. For instance, if you say “I’m sorry” even if the accident is not your fault, this may make it seem like you’re at fault for the crash. Even saying something else such as, “I didn’t see you there” can be damaging to your own case. When speaking to a representative of the insurance company, make sure that you are to the point and succinct with your words. You don’t want to give them any more information than is absolutely necessary.
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Beware of Social Media
One of the recent developments with personal injury within the past few years is the role that social media has begun to play. Social media puts a lot of information about you out into the public for anyone with a smartphone and internet connection to see. There are occasions where social media has actually led to claimants getting into trouble with the insurance company because of some information they posted online. Even if you have done nothing wrong, the insurance company may take something you posted online out of context and use it against you. To avoid this, make sure that your privacy settings are up to date so that the information that you post is only viewable by people you know. Also, make sure not to friend only people that you have met in person.
Protect Your Rights with a Lawyer
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your rights to pursue legal action. If you’ve been harmed by someone else’s negligent action, you deserve the right to hold the responsible party accountable with the help of a Fort Myers car accident lawyer. The attorneys of Viles & Beckman can provide you with invaluable experience and resources that can help to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
At Viles & Beckman, LLC, we have a strong understanding of car accidents and the types of injuries sustained. We also know what victims need to do to protect their rights and we’re dedicated to helping. When you need help with a lawsuit, trust in our 40+ years of experience.
Contact us today at (239) 334-3933 to discover your options.
About the Author of this Page: The above information was written or reviewed by one of the attorneys at Viles & Beckman LLC who have a combined experience of nearly 60 years: Marcus Viles, Michael Beckman. The information provided in this article comes from years of experience trying legal cases outside and inside courtrooms throughout Florida along with extensive research.
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