The Role Of Insurance In A Personal Injury Claim

The following article will cover:

• Dealing with insurance companies after an accident.
• Notifying your insurance company and managing responsibilities.
• Common defenses used by insurance companies to avoid paying out serious injury claims.

Should I Give a Statement to the Insurance Company After an Accident?

It is not advisable to give a statement to the other party’s insurance company after an accident. They may use your statement to minimize your case or even have it thrown out. Insurance companies are skilled at asking questions that may lead to ambiguous answers that can be used against you later. Avoid giving recorded statements, filling out their paperwork, or discussing the accident details with them.

What Is My Responsibility, If Any, In Notifying Insurance Companies Of The Incident Of The Injury?

After an accident, you have a responsibility to notify your own insurance company, regardless of whether you are injured or at fault. Your insurance company has the right to investigate the accident from the start, and some may even require a written notice or report. Your attorney can help you submit the necessary information to your insurance company in a timely manner.

Should I Notify My Own Insurance Company Of An Accident, Even If I’m Not At Fault?

Yes, you should notify your own insurance company about the accident even if you are not at fault. There may be coverages in your policy that can be utilized for car repairs, medical payments, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Notifying your insurance company allows them to set up a claim and provide support under your contract with them.

What Should I Do If The Other Party’s Insurance Company Contacts Me? Should I Ever Give A Statement?

If the other party’s insurance company contacts you, do not give them a statement about the accident. Instead, inform them that you have an attorney, provide your attorney’s name and contact information, and direct them to contact your attorney on your behalf. Your attorney will protect you and your claim from any attempts by the insurance company to obtain information that may hurt your case.

What Are Some Defenses Insurance Companies Use To Avoid Paying Out Serious Injury Claims?

Insurance companies may employ various strategies to minimize or avoid payments for serious injury claims. These strategies can include:

• Arguing that the accident was your fault or partially your fault.
• Claiming that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
• Asserting that you had pre-existing conditions, such as a history of back problems or previous chiropractic treatments.

Insurance companies may also request extensive medical records in an attempt to find reasons to minimize their responsibility. They may even enter this information into databases accessible to others, which could potentially violate your privacy. An experienced attorney can help protect you from these tactics and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

For more information on The Role Of Insurance In A Personal Injury Claim, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (312) 704-4300 today.