Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident is often a complex process. Within a few days of the accident, an insurance adjuster may contact you with an initial settlement offer. While this offer may appear enticing, experienced car accident attorneys can attest that it is often far from adequate. No matter how reasonable the offer may seem, it typically represents only a fraction of the compensation you truly deserve.
Before engaging in further discussions with the insurance company, there are several crucial points to consider in order to protect your interests. Insurance companies often employ professional adjusters who are skilled in evaluating cases and offering the lowest possible amount that you might accept. To safeguard your legal rights and ascertain the true value of your case, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer who can assist you in dealing with insurance companies in Missouri City after a car accident.
Here are some important things to understand about insurance companies operating in Missouri City:
Insurance Adjusters are Skilled Negotiators
Despite appearing friendly, insurance companies are primarily focused on generating profit for their employers. Their objective is not necessarily aligned with your best interests. Insurance adjusters are tasked with protecting and advancing the interests of the insurance company, often seeking to minimize the amount paid on claims. If an adjuster can resolve your car accident case with you accepting less than the actual value, they consider it a success for their employer.
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Insurance Companies Have No Obligation to Treat You Fairly
Regrettably, when dealing with insurance companies in Missouri City after a car accident, there is no obligation for them to handle your case promptly or fairly. While Texas has regulations in place to prevent insurers from unduly delaying claim settlements, insurance companies are not obligated to offer a reasonable settlement amount. Even if the other driver admits fault in the auto accident, your local insurance company may not respond promptly or adequately to your demands for proper compensation.
The Initial Offer is Almost Always Unfair
Following a car accident, the responsible party is responsible for covering medical expenses and related costs, including pain and suffering. Many car accident victims are in dire need of financial assistance, and insurance companies are well aware of this fact. Consequently, the initial settlement offer is often a lowball figure designed to gauge your reaction. Many people accept whatever the insurance company proposes, including their evaluation of injuries resulting from the car crash.
Accepting the initial offer can be detrimental as your medical bills may continue to accumulate in the future. Unfortunately, once you accept their offer, you cannot file a second claim for future medical bills or pain and suffering.
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Your Missouri City Insurance Company May Attempt to Reduce Your Medical Bills
In an effort to minimize the settlement owed to you, insurance companies often try to downplay your full medical expenses. They may argue that the charges were excessive or that your injuries and treatment are related to a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies commonly make this argument, particularly if you did not seek immediate medical evaluation after the accident.
To avoid such complications, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly when experiencing pain and diligently follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan. Additionally, keep a record of every healthcare provider or medical facility you visit while receiving treatment.
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Insurance Companies May Exploit Your Statements to Deny Claims
Insurance companies may ask you questions about the accident and try to shape them in a way that supports their perspective on liability and coverage. It is crucial to exercise caution when providing statements, as your words can be used against you to deny or diminish the value of your claim. Consulting with an attorney before making any statements to insurance representatives is highly advisable.
By understanding these important aspects of dealing with insurance companies, you can navigate the process more effectively and protect your rights to fair compensation after a car accident. Remember that anything you say can and will be used against you in your claim. Therefore, it is essential to refrain from agreeing to provide a recorded statement without seeking legal counsel from an experienced accident lawyer, no matter how reasonable or convincing their argument may appear.
The Insurance Company May Not Follow Up with You on Your Auto Wreck Claim
Every state has a statute of limitations that sets the timeframe for filing car accident claims. If this time limit expires, it becomes unlikely that you can pursue a legal claim against the party responsible for the accident. In this state, the statute of limitations is typically two years. Insurance companies are well aware of this limitation.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance company regarding the value of your case, they are not obligated to continue discussions with you. Days can turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years before they reach out to address your claim. Once the statute of limitations has passed, they cannot be compelled to compensate you for your injuries. To prevent this, a vehicle collision lawyer can file a petition with the court to preserve the time necessary to negotiate your claim with the insurance company.
Our Attorneys Can Help
You should never navigate the complexities of dealing with Missouri City insurance companies after a car accident alone. Handling such cases requires legal expertise, especially when it comes to assessing the value of your injuries. Our team of car accident lawyers is here to assist you. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys.
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