Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident
After a car accident in Missouri, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, while you’re focused on recovering from injuries and repairing your vehicle, insurance adjusters are working to minimize payouts and protect their company’s profits. The best way to deal with insurance companies after an accident is to have an experienced personal injury lawyer handle everything for you.
At Bruntrager & Billings, we help St. Louis accident victims through the insurance claims process and fight for the full compensation they deserve. Contact our personal injury attorneysn as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
Never Admit Fault or Apologize
Insurance adjusters will ask leading questions designed to get you to accept blame for the accident. Even saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them” can be twisted into an admission of fault. Stick to facts and avoid speculation about what caused the accident or who was at fault. Let the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction, establish liability.
Refuse to Give Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements, claiming they need your version of events. However, these recordings are used to find inconsistencies in your story or catch you making statements that undermine your claim. You have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
If your own insurer requests a recorded statement, review your policy obligations and consult an attorney first. Even when required, having legal representation ensures you don’t inadvertently damage your claim.
Be Cautious About Medical Authorizations
Insurance companies may ask you to sign broad medical authorization forms, claiming they need to verify your injuries. These forms often grant access to your entire medical history, allowing adjusters to search for pre-existing conditions or unrelated medical issues they can use to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Only provide medical records directly related to your accident injuries, and never sign blanket authorizations without legal advice. Your attorney can ensure insurance companies receive necessary documentation while protecting your privacy.
Beware of Quick Settlement Offers
Insurance companies sometimes make early settlement offers before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. These lowball offers prey on accident victims facing mounting medical bills and lost income. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot pursue additional compensation, even if you discover more serious injuries later.
Don’t accept any settlement until you’ve completed medical treatment, understand your prognosis, and consulted with an experienced attorney who can accurately calculate your damages including future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Let a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney Handle All Insurance Communications
The most effective way to protect your claim is to have an experienced personal injury attorney handle all insurance communications. At Bruntrager & Billings, we know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims, and we don’t let adjusters take advantage of our clients.
Our personal injury lawyers handle all negotiations, ensure you don’t make statements that harm your case, and negotiate for full compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future losses. Contact Bruntrager & Billings today for a consultation and let us deal with the insurance companies while you focus on recovery.