The last thing anyone wants to deal with is an injury of any kind, but unfortunately, it does happen at times.

It’s important that you know what goes into the process after you get injured so that you do justice to the incident if you have anything that is rightfully yours after the incident.

4 Ways to Deal With Insurance Company If You Got Injured in Careless Action

If you get injured in an accident, you will need to file an injury claim with the relevant insurance company in order to obtain compensation for your medical expenses.

If you have any experience with this process, you already know that it’s a long and confusing one. Not all insurance companies are fair to their clients.

Some insurers use misleading practices and policies to protect their finances and avoid paying large settlements.

You need to understand their negotiating strategies so that you can carefully navigate the process of filing and settling your claim.

Here is a brief guide on how you can deal with insurers after getting injured in an accident.

Be Careful When Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

One of the main things you need to learn before dealing with insurance companies is that an insurance adjuster is not your friend.

They are trained negotiators who will dedicate all of their expertise to protecting the insurance company’s financial interests. No matter how helpful they may seem to you, you need to know that they are not concerned with your best interests.

Instead, they will try to get all possible information about the accident from you to use it later against you when settling the claim. They may deny the full value of some cases or deny the claim altogether to minimize the financial losses of the company.

You need to keep an eye out when dealing with insurance adjusters and avoid giving out any information about your accident until after you’ve received legal advice.

Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies are aware of the fact that accident victims, and especially car accident victims, are vulnerable and in need of financial support to handle their damages, injuries, and medical costs. That’s why they will hit you with the lowest offer they can.

First settlement offers given by insurers are usually extremely low and unfair compared to the major losses most accident victims sustain. Never accept the first settlement offer you receive from the insurance company unless it meets the amount you have in mind.

In most cases, even if they offer you a fair amount in the first offer, your lawyer will be able to negotiate an even higher settlement amount.

Let Experts Negotiate

As a claimant, it’s never a good idea to negotiate a settlement on your own. You’ll be talking to expert negotiators and trained insurance agents who know what they are doing. Some Illinois insurers hire only the best negotiators out there for this position to make sure their financial interests are in good hands.

The specialists at Blumenshine Law Group explain that claims submitted without legal representation are more likely to be denied or lead to inadequate settlements. Hiring a lawyer to manage your claim will greatly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Insurance Companies Are Not Obligated to Be Fair

Insurers will not necessarily treat you fairly even if the other party cooperates and admits fault. Their first priority is minimizing your settlement offer as much as possible, and that’s what they’ll try to do when dealing with your claim. This is part of why they start with a lowball offer.

They may also try to suggest that you’re lying about your injuries at the beginning to minimize the offer. They may claim that you’re committing fraud or that your injuries are caused by pre-existing conditions. This is why it’s important to go to an emergency room after an accident to document all injuries and obtain medical proof.

Make sure you also determine the extent of your damages before making a claim with an insurance company.

In addition to your medical costs and damages, you may be entitled to other forms of compensation relating to your loss of wages, disability, or decreased earning capacity. Your lawyer will be able to help you estimate all sources of damages and file a solid case against the relevant insurance company.

Before making a claim, it is worthwhile to consult legal experts for guidance on how to deal with insurance companies. Insurance agents are trained professionals who have gone through the same process thousands of times before dealing with your claim.

Unless you have extensive experience in the legal field or insurance industry, you will need an experienced attorney working with you to maximize your settlement.

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