In Kentucky, if you are in a car accident and suffer from injuries, you are required to file a claim with an insurance company to receive any compensation for those injuries and any expenses acquired as a direct result of the accident. Many people think that insurance companies are on their team, but they are not. Since they will have to pay for your injuries out of their pocket, the insurance company and their legal representatives will work hard to get you to take the smallest settlement they can. This is why they will keep some things hidden from you. What are these secrets?
Your Claim Does Not Need to be Settled Immediately
Insurance adjusters will do their best to get you to agree to a settlement offer shortly after your accident. They will make it seem like their company is simply helping you resolve your claim so that you are able to move forward and recover from any expenses accrued as a result of the accident. Using this tactic, they are often able to pay a smaller settlement– typically much less than what is needed to cover those expenses. This is done early on so that you are not able to really understand how severe your injuries might be or turn to an attorney for help. We highly recommend waiting until you have spoken to an attorney before you agree to any settlements.
You Should Hire An Attorney For Your Claim
Adjusters often fail to mention that you can legally hire a personal injury lawyer to assist with your claim. They may even suggest that one is not necessary at all. Why? They know that personal injury lawyers have both the skill and knowledge to help you get a sufficient settlement. If you are ever injured in a car accident, you should prioritize reaching out to a personal injury lawyer. Having them on your team is the best way to help ease the financial burden that comes from injury accidents.
You Are Not Required to Give a Recorded Statement
Upon speaking to an insurance adjuster, you might be told that you have to provide the company with a recorded statement in regards to the accident. However, you do not have to, nor should you give this statement. The insurance company will use your statement as a way to catch you saying something that they could potentially use against you should you file a lawsuit. Refuse to provide them with a statement and speak to your lawyer on what to do next.
You Will Need To Contact Your Own Insurance Company
If you are filing a third-party claim against the insurance company of the driver who was at-fault, you will probably be told not to worry about reaching out to your own insurance company. But anytime you feel it is necessary, contact your insurance company and whatever attorneys you are working with.
You Are Able to Negotiate Your Settlement
Adjusters are skilled negotiators– they are hoping you and your personal injury lawyer are not. They really do not want you to bring in your own lawyer to help you fight for a bigger settlement. In fact, they will most likely do their best to keep you from negotiating by telling you that they have made their best offer. However, you and your lawyer are allowed to negotiate for a larger settlement or adjust any terms if needed.
Insurance Companies May Not Always Agree To The Terms of Your Medical Treatments
When you are injured in a car accident, you will need to seek medical treatment at a hospital or a clinic. When you first talk to the insurance adjuster, they might tell you that their company is willing to cover any accrued copayments or treatment expenses needed for your recovery. But you should know that it is rare for an insurance company to cover these expenses entirely without any hassle. Because they have to pay for your injuries, insurance companies will do what they can to minimize their liability for those medical expenses as much as they possibly can. After your accident but before you talk to an insurance adjuster, reach out to a personal injury lawyer that specializes in car accidents. They are able to provide you with all the advice you need to negotiate with the case adjuster and help you look over the terms of your settlement offer.
Contact (859-746-0500) Michael O’Hara, PLLC for a Consultation
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About Michael A. O’Hara, PLLC
When you have to deal with the justice system – whether related to a civil or criminal matter – you need more than the truth on your side. You need a skilled attorney who can employ sound legal strategies to produce the results you are hoping for. I am attorney Michael A. O’Hara, and I am licensed to practice in Kentucky and Ohio at the state level, as well as in Federal District Court and the Federal Court of Claims. I have been representing clients in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area since 1994.