Motor vehicle accidents occur in every community. According to a report from the New York State Department of Health, 5,305 people in Erie County went to the emergency room for car accident injuries in the most recent year in which data is available.
Even if you are a safe and cautious driver, there is still a risk you could be involved in a major collision. You need to know how to protect your legal rights. Here, our car accident lawyers provide some actionable tips to help you deal with insurance company representatives after a crash.
As a starting point, you should understand how insurance companies approach car accident claims; specifically, that their goal is to protect their own bottom line. In other words, the insurer will try to resolve a claim for the lowest settlement amount possible. Insurance adjusters—even when they are from your own insurance company—are not on your side.
Following a serious motor vehicle accident, you may receive a call from an insurance adjuster within a few days or a few weeks. Most likely, they will ask you for a statement. You have no legal obligation to give a recorded statement at this time. As a general rule, it is not in your best interest to give a recorded statement to the insurance company without first discussing the matter with a lawyer.
If you do talk about your crash or your injuries, it is imperative that you avoid speculation. It is not your job to determine who was at fault or the severity of your injuries. Your speculation can be taken out of context and used against you to limit the value of your case. Always stick strictly to the facts.
Most people want to get their car accident past them. It is normal to want to settle your case so that you can move forward with your life. Sadly, insurance companies will try to exploit this impulse. They often drag their feet and lead with low, unfair settlements offers. Be patient and make sure that you get the full financial compensation you deserve.
After a serious car accident, your first priority should be getting the emergency medical attention you need to protect your health and well-being. Your second priority should be finding an experienced auto accident lawyer. Your attorney will make sure that the insurance company is handling your case the right way.
At Richmond Vona, LLC, our car accident attorneys fight aggressively to protect our clients. We will stand up for your rights against the insurance company. To set up a no-cost, no-commitment review of your case, please contact us right away. From our office location in Buffalo, we represent auto accident victims throughout Western New York, including in Rochester, Batavia, East Aurora, Hamburg, and Lockport.
