Many insurance companies are encouraging their insurance claims adjusters to meet with victims of accidents shortly after the accident occurs. Basically, you get a call from the from the insurance adjuster who seems to have your best interests in mind. He will explain that he wants to "learn more" about your accident. He will say that he's concerned about your medical bills. You'll be reassured, "Don't worry...we'll take care of everything." The next thing you know, he's offering to meet for coffee at the local Starbucks.
Be very careful because in most cases, the insurance adjuster does not have your best interest in mind. Surprise! What they're really trying to do is put a quick settlement before you in an effort to close their case. I used to work for the insurance companies, and the mantra we heard over and over again was, "A 'closed file' is a 'happy' file!" They will often offer you $250 or $500 in an effort to put a quick end to the matter. They will dangle the check in front of you and hope you take it. There is no pressing reason to meet with the adjuster so early in the case. You are certainly not obliged to do so. You might not even sure what the extent of your injuries are. Actually, that is why they offer to meet you so quickly. If they wait much longer, you might become more fully aware of your injuries and less likely to accept their paltry offer. While there are some very conscientious insurance adjusters out there, there are many who have no interest in justice or doing what's right. They just want to close their file quickly. Remember, a closed file is a happy file! If you've been involved in a serious car accident, seek legal assistance before talking with the insurance company. Call our office at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation. Read some of the other information on this website and make sure to check out the video page. After you hire an attorney for your personal injury case, make sure you keep in touch with the lawyer during the claim process. It is important to provide your attorney with the actual evidence used to prove your case. This includes medical bills, expenses, and loss of income documentation from your employment. Regular communication is important. If your attorney calls you, make sure you return their call as soon as you can since they may be seeking to obtain further information or update you about your case.
Here are some other suggestions: Make sure to thoroughly read all correspondence from your attorney. Keep all medical appointments with your treating doctors and physical therapy appointments. Maintain a file of all medical bills records, lost wages, and other expenses in relation to the incident. Make sure to keep a list all of witnesses who can testify about your injuries or the events of the accident. These people may be called upon especially if litigation is necessary. Collect any and all photos that were taken at the scene of the accident and any photos depicting damage or injuries. Make sure your lawyer gets copies - digital photos are best. Make sure you notify your attorney of any changes in address, phone number, marital status, change of employment, or significant change of your physical condition. If you receive any correspondence, bills, etc. in the mail relating to your case from anyone or any facility, send a copy to your lawyer. Don't assume your lawyer is automatically getting copies unless you see them specifically copied on the correspondence. Keeping your lawyer in the loop helps your case run smoothly. Be sure to answer all your attorney’s questions truthfully and honestly. There is nothing to be gained from hiding information from your lawyer. If you need help with your personal injury case, call our office at (661) 414-7100 or click here to get started. After a serious accident, many people feel that they can heal on their own, or that the injuries suffered from the car accident are not that serious. In many cases, they are correct. In many cases, they are flat out wrong. Then when they try to pursue their claim, their inaction is used against them by the responsible party's insurance company. Insurance companies don't want you to seek care, so they can use that against you in the future.
When you are involved in an automobile accident you need to seek medical attention right away. Don't "wait and see." It will only harm your position. Many times when the insurance companies and juries don’t see proof of your injuries resulting from the accident, they often believe you do not deserve compensation. Therefore, if you don't seek medical assistance, they will assume you are fine. Insurance companies hate it when you’re hurt in the accident and immediately go to the hospital to see a doctor. Why? Well it’s simple - it’s harder for them to argue that you were not hurt in the accident if your actions were consistent with someone who was hurt. Therefore, make sure you’re telling your treating doctor of all injuries, whether big or small, and do so sooner than later. Injuries could gradually get worse because they have not been properly treated, and it may be too late. Call our office at (661) 414-7100 and be proactive about your personal injury case. |
Attorney Robert MansourRobert Mansour is an attorney in Santa Clarita, California who has been practicing law since 1993. After working for 13 years for the insurance companies, he now counsels victims of personal injury. Click here to learn more about Robert Mansour. Categories
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