Why Insurance Companies Avoid Paying Claims
Though it may come as a surprise, if you were injured in a car accident, you shouldn’t rely on your insurance company to cover all your expenses. This may seem confusing, as surely the point of insurance is to have your accident-related expenses covered, right? Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for fighting valid claims and looking for every opportunity to deny someone a payout they deserve.
Contrary to what they would have you believe, insurance companies are in the business of making money, not protecting their policyholders. Though their profits are not as high as other industries, to remain in business, private insurance companies must be profitable. This is done by receiving more premiums than they pay claims. They may also make more money through investments. As such, the fewer claims they pay, the more money they hold onto and the more money they stand to make.
In this blog post, we will discuss why filing a personal injury lawsuit may be your best option.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies
After a car accident, there is a chance you will receive a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It is crucial that you do not speak with the insurance representative and instead direct them to your attorney. Similarly, if the other driver’s lawyer calls you, do not discuss the accident with them; instead, tell them to contact your own attorney.
You must remember that any statement you give can be used against you or used to reduce and/or deny your claim.
The same can be said for speaking with your own insurance company. Even though they are purportedly on your side, they are still looking for ways to settle claims quickly and/or to reduce the amount they have to pay out. Your attorney, on the other hand, will fight to protect your best interests and is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies. Their goal is to help you resolve your case successfully, including securing the highest amount of compensation possible.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After an Accident
Even in cases where the insurance companies involved pay out on claims, medical care is so astronomically expensive that the amount insurance companies pay doesn’t even begin to cover the injured party’s costs. Furthermore, if you or your loved one is left dealing with a long recovery or a permanent disability, you may face significant long-term care costs, not to mention lost earnings. When this happens, filing a personal injury claim in civil court may be the only option to receive full compensation for your losses.
By filing a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Therapy expenses
- Long-term care costs
Whom To Call After a Car Accident
The aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming. Knowing what to do can feel impossible. Whom do you call? What information do you need to collect? Whose insurance company do you call?
First and foremost, if anyone has been injured in the accident, emergency medical services should be called right away. You should then contact the police or law enforcement to report the accident and any damage done. Finally, you should call a personal injury attorney familiar with state laws and can provide legal advice regarding your rights and filing a claim for damages.
After a car accident, you should collect the following information:
- The personal contact information for all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
- The insurance information of the drivers involved in the accident
- The vehicle information for all vehicles involved in the accident
- Photos, videos, or other documentation of all damage, including damage done to vehicles and property
- The personal contact information for any witnesses to the accident
- A copy of your police report and/or the police report number
- A full description of the accident, including when, where, and how it happened (be as detailed as possible)
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, reach out to Foley Griffin for help. Our legal team is well-versed in all aspects of personal injury law in New York, and we can use our experience to help you. From representing you in negotiations with insurance companies to helping you file a personal injury claim, we are here to help you seek the compensation you need to recover and move forward.