Should You Speak to Insurance Companies After an Auto Accident?

After a car accident, it can be difficult to know what to do or to whom to reach out. Oftentimes, insurance adjusters are calling for a statement within hours of the crash. However, you should not talk to the insurance companies without having a lawyer present. An experienced personal injury attorney will protect your interests when talking to an insurer about your case.

Insurers are Not There to Help

Insurance companies, even your own, do not have your best interests in mind after an auto accident. Their job is to resolve the claim as quickly as possible for as little money as possible after the crash. This is why insurance companies often make a settlement offer soon after the accident worth far less than what the claim is truly worth for your injuries. You should not speak with an insurance adjuster about the accident before speaking with an attorney. The adjusters are looking for anything in your statement to justify offering you less for your claims or assigning blame to you for the crash.

What You Should do

The first thing that you should do after an auto accident is seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. This is important for two reasons: first, your injuries can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible in order to maximize your recovery. Second, by seeing a doctor right away you create a contemporaneous account of your injuries immediately after the accident. This is incredibly helpful with dealing with the insurance companies, who may claim that you were not as hurt as you claim if you wait to seek medical treatment.

If possible, document the scene of the accident. This includes calling the police so that they can create an accident report, taking photos and videos, and gathering the contact information of any potential witnesses to the accident. This is all helpful information for your attorney to have when putting together the best possible case for compensation following the accident.

How an Attorney can Help

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney after an auto accident can mean the difference between getting the compensation you need to cover the costs of your injuries or suffering additional financial hardship after an accident. A lawyer serves as a shield between you and the insurers who are looking to find ways to minimize your damages in whatever way possible.

When you hire a lawyer, the insurance companies are required by law to communicate only with your attorney for the remainder of your claim. Your lawyer will negotiate a settlement and help prepare any statements that you need to make about the accident. An attorney will not allow you to settle for anything less than the full and fair value of your case, and if the insurance companies refuse to pay then a lawyer can take your case to court.

Talk to Our Office Now

It is critical to the success of your auto accident claim that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before talking to an insurance adjuster about your case. To learn more about your legal options after an auto accident in Los Angeles, call or contact the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at The Lion’s Law Office today for a free consultation of your case.