Car accidents can cause a significant amount of physical pain, stress, and financial hardship. You may need to undergo multiple surgeries or procedures to address your injuries, which can lead to expensive medical bills. Additionally, taking time off work for your recovery can hinder your ability to pay those bills.
On top of all those stressors, you will likely have to deal with at least one insurance company. When communicating with auto insurers, it is important to understand that the insurance companies in Spring Hill car accident cases are not on your side. Even if it is your own insurer, the company’s goal is to pay you as little money as possible.
Because your goal of obtaining compensation is in direct conflict with the insurance company’s objective, it is crucial that you work with a determined vehicle collision attorney. A car accident lawyer at Hancock Injury Attorneys can help you receive appropriate compensation for the injuries you sustained.
Answering an Initial Call from an Auto Insurance Company
If you were injured in a car crash, the at-fault party’s insurance company will likely try to contact you immediately. It may seem like a harmless phone call, but the insurance adjuster is not your friend. The purpose of this initial call is to obtain a recorded statement that will hurt your ability to attain full compensation in a settlement.
Should You Give a Statement to the Other Party’s Insurer?
Insurance companies know that the average driver does not fully understand car accident laws. So, they call as soon as possible in hopes that you have not retained legal counsel. If you give a statement without consulting an attorney, you may accidentally say something to make the insurer believe you were at fault for the collision.
For example, the insurance adjuster may ask you how fast you were driving. You might state that you were driving around 45 miles per hour if you believe that was the speed limit on the road where the accident occurred.
However, if the speed limit was actually 35 miles per hour, you would have just admitted to speeding and made yourself vulnerable to comparative fault allegations. This would allow the insurance company to deny financial liability for your damages.
So, it is best to refrain from giving statements to insurance adjustors without speaking with a lawyer first. An experienced attorney in Spring Hill can advise you on how to answer the insurance company’s questions about your car accident.
How Can a Spring Hill Lawyer Help with Your Car Accident Claim?
Many people believe insurance companies treat injured parties fairly. As a former insurance defense lawyer with insider knowledge on top of 30 years of experience, Attorney Mike Hancock can tell you that is not true. This incorrect assumption leads many car accident victims to pursue insurance claims without an attorney.
Whether you are dealing with an insurance company like GEICO, Allstate, or Progressive, you need a seasoned lawyer to help you prepare for all the deceptive tactics the insurer may use against you. For example, a company may have you communicate with multiple insurance adjusters who tell you conflicting things about your car accident case.
Initially, it may seem like simple miscommunication. However, after a week of being misled, you will begin to realize the insurance company does not have your best interest in mind. In cases such as these, you need qualified legal representation.
If you work with a reputable auto accident attorney, insurance adjustors will be less likely to take advantage of you. A dedicated lawyer can help you protect your rights and achieve a fair settlement.
Helping You Preserve Evidence
Another reason to contact an attorney early in the claims process is that a legal professional can help you preserve evidence. Modern cars typically have electronic data recorders (EDRs) installed in them. After an accident, the at-fault party may try to get rid of the EDR to avoid liability. A lawyer can send an anti-spoliation letter to the other party’s insurance company on your behalf to ensure all evidence is preserved.
Talk to an Attorney About Insurance Companies in Spring Hill Car Accident Cases
Insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve after an accident. This is why you need the help of a Hernando county personal injury lawyer. At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we have years of experience dealing with insurance companies in Spring Hill car accident cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.