What Role Does an Insurance Company Play During a Personal Injury Case?

No one wants to be in an accident. But if you are, you’ll likely have to deal with an insurance company at some point during your personal injury case. Whether it’s your own insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer, you’ll need to know how these companies operate and what their goals are.

Most insurance companies are for-profit businesses. That means their ultimate goal is to make money, not necessarily to help you after an accident. Here are a few things you should know about insurance companies:

They Have Adjusters Who Will Investigate Your Claim

After you file a claim, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate it. The adjuster’s job is to gather information and try to find ways to pay you less money or deny your claim entirely.

You should know that insurance adjusters are trained to get information from you that could be used against you later. For example, they may ask leading questions that elicit responses that can be interpreted in different ways. Or, they may try to catch you off guard, so you say something incriminating.

It’s important that you’re careful about what you say to an insurance adjuster. You don’t have to give a recorded statement, and it’s usually not in your best interests to do so. Instead, refer the adjuster to your attorney and let your lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company.

They May Try to Get You to Settle Quickly

Insurance companies know that most people need money quickly after an accident. They may take advantage of this by offering you a lowball settlement soon after the accident occurs.

Don’t be tempted to accept a quick settlement, even if it’s for more money than you think you need. Once you settle, you give up your right to seek more compensation in the future, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you initially thought.

It’s important to have a thorough understanding of the extent of your injuries before agreeing to any settlement. Once you settle, the insurance company will likely close your case, so you won’t be able to get more money later on.

They May Try to Deny Your Claim

If the insurance company can’t get you to settle quickly, they may try to deny your claim entirely. They may do this by saying that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim or that the accident wasn’t their insured’s fault.

If your claim is denied, you have a few options. You can file an appeal with the insurance company or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the appeals process or file a lawsuit on your behalf.

What Should I Do Next?

If you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. If you need more information or assistance, please call us at (805) 330-3393 in California.