Being involved in a car accident is bad enough, but being stuck with medical bills or lost wages that the insurance company won't cover you for can make things exponentially more difficult. As you're going through the process of trying to reach a settlement regarding your car accident case, there are some all-too-common mistakes you'll want to avoid that could actually hurt your case and reduce your chances of reaching a fair settlement.
Feeling Obligated to Answer Every Question
When you meet with the insurance adjuster, be prepared to be asked a lot of questions. You might feel like you're legally bound to answer all of his or her questions, but this is far from the truth. In fact, you're encouraged not to answer any questions that you honestly don't know the answers to. Don't make the mistake at trying to guess at the proper answers to these questions, as doing so could come back to bite you down the road.
Agreeing to Give a Recorded Statement
If an insurance adjuster asks you to give a recorded statement at any time, remember that you have to right to refuse. You are under no obligation to let the adjuster record your statement. Often times, adjusters will try to trick people into thinking they have to give a written or recorded statement so they can use information against them later on.
Signing Any Kind of Medical Release
You should also be aware that you should never sign a medical release (or any other paperwork you're not familiar with, for that matter) presented to you by an insurance adjuster following an auto accident. This release could very well waive your rights to further claims, which is the last thing you want when you're trying to reach a fair settlement.
Trying to Reach a Settlement Without a Lawyer
If all of this seems confusing to you, there's a good chance you could benefit from having a dedicated and experienced car accident lawyer on your side. Specifically, a car accident lawyer will be able to advise you through every step of the way (including your meetings with insurance adjusters) to make sure your rights and best interests are well represented and protected. Don't make the mistake of trying to represent yourself; if you haven't done so already, schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer who has specific experience with car accident cases similar to yours. Visit http://www.grdlaw.com/ for more information.
Share19 April 2016
When you get into a serious car accident, things can become complicated quickly. In addition to worrying about other lawyers and problems with your vehicle, you might also be left with serious injuries that keep you from enjoying your life. On top of everything else, you might be left with a huge stack of medical bills, and it can be hard to know what to do next. I want you to understand that there is hope, which is why this blog is all about hiring an attorney. By using this advice, you might be able to streamline your case and enjoy a larger settlement.
