Dealing with Insurance Companies after an Auto Accident
Auto accidents can devastate lives, causing physical injury, emotional trauma, and serious financial burdens. In this situation, dealing with insurance companies on your own can be daunting. The process involves multiple challenges – from filing a claim and proving the fault of the negligent party to negotiating a fair settlement.
This is where an experienced car accident attorney can make all the difference. Your lawyer can counter the tactics of the insurance company to diminish or deny your claim, establish liability of the at-fault party, and help you recover maximum compensation.
Common Challenges with Insurance Companies After Atlanta Car Accidents
While insurance coverage is meant to provide financial relief and support, the reality can sometimes be far from this ideal. These are a few common tactics used by insurers to delay or deny personal injury claims:
- Low Settlement Offers: Insurers often start with low offers that do not cover all your damages and losses.
- Disputes Over Fault: Insurance companies may dispute fault to reduce their payout.
- Pressure to Settle Quickly: Adjusters may push for a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your damages.
- Complicated Paperwork and Legal Jargon: The complex language and paperwork of insurance policies can lead to mistakes.
- Unresponsive Adjusters: Lack of communication from adjusters can stall the claims process.
- Challenges with Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists: Dealing with uninsured/underinsured motorist claims can be difficult.
- Bad Faith Tactics: Insurers might use unethical tactics to avoid paying claims.
Steps To Effectively Handle Insurance Companies After an Auto Accident
Ensure Safety and Document the Scene
Before engaging with insurance companies, your priority should be safety. Make sure everyone involved is safe and call emergency services if necessary. Once safety is ensured, document the scene. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and make detailed notes about what happened.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. Most policies require immediate notification, so do not delay. Provide them with all the necessary details, including:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Description of how the accident occurred
- Contact information for the other driver(s) and witnesses
- Police report number, if available
Be honest and accurate in your description. However, avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements about the accident.
Dealing with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Georgia is an at-fault state. If the other driver is at fault, their insurance company will likely contact you. You need to be cautious when speaking with them. Provide only the necessary facts and avoid making statements that could be construed as admitting fault. It’s prudent to:
- Refer them to your insurance company for any detailed discussions
- Avoid signing any documents or accepting settlements without consulting your auto accident attorney
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain thorough records of all communications with the insurance companies, including emails, letters, and phone calls. Keep track of:
- Dates and times of conversations
- Names and positions of the representatives you speak with
- Summary of the discussions
Taking this into account, keep all receipts and documentation related to medical treatments, vehicle repairs, and any other expenses incurred due to the accident.
Understanding the Claims Process
The claims process can vary between insurance companies, but it generally involves the following steps:
- Filing the Claim: Submit your claim with all the necessary documentation.
- Investigation: The insurance company will investigate the accident, which may involve reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting vehicle damage.
- Evaluation: The insurance company will evaluate the extent of the damage and the costs associated with repairs or medical treatment.
- Settlement: Based on the evaluation, the insurance company will offer a settlement. You have the right to negotiate if the offer does not cover your expenses adequately.
The Most Important Step – Get Legal Representation from an Experienced Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer
If you encounter difficulties with the insurance company, such as delays, lowball offers, or disputes over fault, consider consulting a reputable lawyer with experience in auto accident claims. A seasoned car accident attorney can move fast to take all the necessary steps to protect your rights and legal options under Georgia law.
- Evidence Collection: Lawyers can hire investigators to gather and organize critical evidence to support your claim, such as police reports, witness statements, forensic records, accident scene photos, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction reports. They know what evidence is most compelling and how to present it effectively.
- Fault Determination: In Georgia, determining fault can be complicated due to the state’s modified comparative negligence rule. An attorney can help establish fault through thorough investigation and expert analysis, ensuring that your responsibility (if any) is accurately represented.
- Negotiation: Car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who can deal with insurance companies on your behalf. They can negotiate for fair compensation, covering medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses. Their experience ensures you do not accept a lowball offer.
- Settlement Evaluation: Attorneys can assess settlement offers from insurance companies to ensure they adequately cover all your expenses, both current and future. They can calculate the full extent of your damages, including non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
Skilled auto accident attorneys can also coordinate with healthcare providers to manage and negotiate medical bills. Insurance adjusters may use unfair tactics to minimize payouts. Your lawyer can handle all communications with adjusters, preventing you from inadvertently making statements that could harm your claim.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage – Call Us Today
The dedicated Atlanta car accident attorneys at DuBose Miller can handle all aspects of your injury claim, and help you recover the largest possible compensation for your injuries and losses. During a free initial consultation, we can review your case, discuss your legal options, and outline the best steps forward. Call us at (404) 720-8111 or fill out this online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.
