Insurance Do’s and Don’ts

Filing insurance claims and handling insurance adjusters can be an onerous task. You should not attempt this without the advice of your McAllen auto accident injury attorney. If you are involved in any kind of traffic accident, you can be certain you will have to deal with your insurance company, along with the insurance agents of others involved in the accident. Listed are some crucial do’s and don’ts for your advantage.

Do’s:

• Do contact your insurance company immediately after the accident or injury, but be careful not to agree to anything without first contacting your attorney.
• Do take time to read your insurance policy and become familiar with it. This will assist in determining what coverage you have to be able to make the necessary claims.
• Do your best to gather as much detail as possible of the accident. This includes taking pictures of the damaged vehicles and injuries sustained. Remember to take advantage of your cell phone camera if accessible. It will help with the evidence. Take down the names and numbers of any witnesses to the accident who may later be able to help verify your insurance claim.
• Do make note of the insurance details of any other person or vehicle involved in the accident.
• Do keep a written description of any conversations and any factors involving the insurance officers, agents, and any one else included in the claims process.
• Do save receipts and bills for any and all expenses linked to your insurance claim, bills for any repair work on the damaged vehicle and any medical costs incurred on the treatment of any injuries that are covered by your insurance policy. This includes meals, lodging, and purchases during the time spent pursuing your claim or recovering from your injuries from the covered event until the last settlement with your insurance company.
• Do be honest and straightforward with the insurance investigators. It’s better for the insurer to know all facts, even if it is embarrassing. You may risk denial of your claim for fraudulent reasons.
• Do check if you have more than one insurance policy that provides coverage for a specific accident or injury. Several people have multiple insurance policies that they may be able to file valid insurance claims. Be sure to review all insurance policies.
• Do notify your place of employment if you are unable to work.
• Do seek proper representation with a qualified attorney.

Don’ts

• Don’t admit liability of any form. Only reveal the facts. The determining of liability is influenced by distinct conditions. Insurance investigators will gather all necessary facts and evidence in order to determine liability.
• Don’t present anything in writing to any insurance officers, whether yours or the other party’s especially if you don’t comprehend any part of the policy or claim.
• Don’t exceed the time limit. All insurance companies require you to file your claim within a stated period of time, subsequent to the accident or injury. Your claim could become invalid if you choose to ignore the constraints.
• Don’t accept everything your insurance agent tells you as the final statement, especially concerning the value of your claim or settlement. Insurance companies are notorious for giving estimates of losses that are lower than they are actually willing to pay.
• Don’t sign any document that is a release or waiver of any kind, consult an attorney.
• Don’t accept any check as a full and final payment unless you have consulted with an attorney and are certain that it is fair compensation for your losses. If you are not in a financially stable position, do not allow that to influence accepting a premature or inadequate settlement from your insurer.
• Don’t forget that you are under a contract with your insurer. Your insurer has a legal obligation to provide the coverage it assured you of. Be adamant about enforcing that obligation.
• Don’t withhold information from your attorney, including but not limited to how the accident happened, or your pre-accident medical conditions. Discussions with your attorney are privileged and are not revealed.
• Don’t ever exaggerate the extent of your injury, receive more medical treatment than necessary, or take off more time from work than required.

If you are injured in a car accident, don’t take any chances. Insurance companies can be tricky to deal with. You need a skilled McAllen auto accident injury lawyer on your side. If you live in the McAllen area, call us today at 210-223-9200 or 1-888-501-9299 or fill out the form below. We handle accident and injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means no fee unless we win a settlement or verdict in your favor. Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation.