Let’s face it… Most of us don’t have a significant amount of experience with how to best manage the logistics and repercussions after a car accident occurs. For most, this isn’t a frequent enough event in our lives to become well versed in the nitty gritty details. Generally, when someone gets into a car accident, their first thought is that it is best to go through their own insurance company to obtain compensation rather than hiring an independent car accident attorney. After all, it is “your” insurance company, so there’s likely to be some level of trust built up and after all, you’re a “valued customer,” right? Not necessarily the best mindset. The professionals know that it’s probably not best to go through your insurance company directly for compensation, as there are several important factors they are unlikely to mention as you prepare to undergo the process.
Why Shouldn’t You Trust the Insurance Company?
For starters, they will more than likely lowball your settlement offer.
The offer an insurance company puts out there first is likely to be a very lowball settlement offer. After all, this is the first offer on the table, and they are trying to get the case closed as soon as possible. A low settlement offer is first given with the hope that your desperation to see things wrapped up quickly and easily will bait you into accepting it. Some people are unaware that the first settlement offer is even negotiable.
Remember, an insurance company is not seeking the best outcome for you. Alternatively, if you hire an attorney, it is their responsibility and in their best interest to work hard to get you the best offer. Our car accident attorneys in Virginia will go above and beyond to obtain your medical documents and anything else that could act as evidence to help your case. In addition, we are expert negotiators who will not accept the first offer unless it is truly an incredible offer, which isn’t typically the case.
You should also be aware that insurance companies are known for using your own statements against you. When a claim is submitted to an insurance provider, it triggers the start of an investigation to determine whether or not the insurance will accept the claim. The start of this process is typically a request for a formal statement, including a detailed summary of what transpired before, during, and after the accident. Spoiler alert: They are not doing this to look out for your well-being.
The insurance company will not hesitate to use that statement to determine if there is any legal basis to deny your claim. Furthermore, sometimes these statements are taken within a few days of the accident or even on the phone right after it occurred, when you may not be in the right mind frame to carefully consider your words or their impact. You must measure your words and any meaning that could be attached, as they could potentially be used against you to limit your claim or even deny it.
Speak to an Experienced Virginia Beach Car Accident Attorney Today
The above two reasons justify hiring an experienced Virginia Beach car accident attorney immediately after a car accident even before you speak with your insurance company. They can provide input and share information about the “tricks” used by insurance companies. If you remember nothing else from this article, retain this sentence in your permanent memory: You do not need to wait to speak to an insurance agent before contacting an attorney. Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation. Remember, the insurance company is not on your side, and they do not work for you.
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