After an automobile accident occurs, speaking to insurance companies without a lawyer could mean the difference between obtaining justice and compensation and having no legal recourse at all.
Insurance adjusters and investigators know time is on their side when one of their drivers caused an automobile accident that hurt someone. While an injured victim is still recovering, the other driver’s insurance company has likely already begun investigating and responding to the accident. Unfortunately, adjusters do not have a legal obligation to inform injured victims of their legal rights.
Insurance company representatives are trained to take advantage of claimants’ limited knowledge about the fair value of their claims in order to save money for their company.
As a result, an adjuster will often try to get victims to minimize their pain or the impact of their injuries in a “statement” given over the phone or in person. They may also attempt to persuade victims to take responsibility for the accident, when in reality the other person is at fault.
What You Can Do
If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident, never let anyone pressure you to sign documents or make a quick settlement. Hiring an experienced attorney will make the phone calls stop, as your lawyer will begin speaking directly with the insurance companies. He or she will navigate the complex legal process so you can focus on recovery.