Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

Along with the emotional trauma, potential physical injury, and vehicle damage, you likely will find yourself dealing with insurance companies after a car accident. Accordingly, what you do and say in the aftermath of an accident is very important as you may be entitled to financial recovery due to the fault of the other party.

Because the laws on liability from auto accidents are complex and a mistake in handling your claim could prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve, it is important to understand how to deal with insurance companies. When you entrust your personal injury case to our experienced attorneys at Lugar Law PC we will be at your side every step of the way through your claim for damages from your accident. We can handle the insurance companies while you focus on healing and returning to your normal activities. contact us today at (540) 384-5233 for a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your case.

Immediately After an Accident

Well before you receive a call from an insurance company, you will have taken several actions that could affect your claim. While it may be hard to think straight after an automobile wreck, it is essential that you take these basic steps:

• Call 911, report the accident and request emergency medical assistance, if necessary
• If possible, remove yourself from the roadway and traffic flow
• Document the damages, if uninjured, and get contact information of any witnesses
• DO NOT MAKE ANY STATEMENT OR ADMISSIONS to the other party. For purposes of the police report, do not speculate about the cause of your accident. If asked, just provide the facts without commentary.
• Seek medical attention after an accident. You may not believe you are injured, but soft tissue injuries and neck, back issues often present themselves after the shock of the initial collision wears off.
• Contact our personal injury attorneys
• Decline speaking to insurance companies ? ?what I told the police is what happened?

Post Accident Process

Within days, likely, you may receive a call from insurance companies. Your own company may call and the other party?s insurance adjuster will as well. Be very cautious when speaking to insurance company representatives, including your own. Insurance companies are in the business to make money. Profits are hurt when claims must be paid. They are not your friends. The ?friendly? call where the adjuster is just ?checking on you? is designed to get you to say something that can reduce your claim. In particular, the other party?s insurance company is looking for anything that would indicate you were also at fault.

The reason the at-fault driver?s insurance company is looking for you to make an admission against your interest is that Virginia has a ?contributory negligence? defense to personal injury claims. The state follows what is called a ?pure contributory negligence? rule which means the other party must be 100% at fault to recover compensation solely from it. So if they can gain any admission that you could have the least bit of fault, they are going to try to get that evidence from you.

Let Us Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can feel like adding insult to injury. You just want to focus on healing and returning to your normal life without the hassles forced on you through no fault of your own. By working with one of our Roanoke personal injury attorneys, we can help determine if you are entitled to financial recovery through an insurance claim or lawsuit. We will fight hard so you receive the maximum compensation possible. We are here for you so you do not have to face insurance companies alone. contact us today at (540) 384-5233 for a free, no-risk consultation.