After a car accident in Texas, you may receive a call from your insurance company representatives to talk about the collision. They may seem helpful and concerned at first. However, you must understand that their primary goal is to minimize their company’s financial liability – which means reducing your potential insurance payout as much as possible. Retaining a Texas car accident attorney right away after a crash can help protect your right to pursue compensation.
What Happens When You Talk to Insurance Adjusters?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one reportable crash occurs approximately every minute. Insurance representatives, therefore, have a high level of professional experience gathering as much information as possible from car crash victims, and their methods can include leading questions and high-pressure tactics.
They may request recorded statements before you fully understand your injuries, express sympathy while asking probing questions about your accident or injuries, offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your losses or medical needs, and try to persuade you to accept less than you deserve.
If you give a recorded statement to the adjuster, they will analyze your statement word by word and use any inconsistencies or unclear statements to dispute your claim. Even innocent comments such as “I feel better today” or “I did not see the other car until the last second” can jeopardize your case.
In fact, even if you do everything correctly, some companies may refuse to return your calls or emails after the fact – or delay a response significantly – to try and get you to give up a valid claim.
What Common Mistakes Do Car Accident Victims Make When Dealing With Insurers?
Many accident victims unknowingly jeopardize their own claims through innocent mistakes when interacting with insurance companies. Avoid providing detailed medical information before you get a full medical evaluation from a doctor, as your injuries may evolve and present future complications that you will need to have covered. Never accept blame or apologize, as insurers interpret this as an admission of fault. Keep your case off all social media platforms, even with private accounts. However, make sure that you respond to any inquiries from your insurance company, as refusing to respond may jeopardize your coverage.
What Should You Do if an Insurance Company Contacts You?
When an insurance representative calls, remember that you are not obligated to provide detailed information immediately. While you need to cooperate with your own insurance company after an accident, you generally only have to provide basic information such as your name, contact information, and the date and location of the accident. Request that they send all communication in writing, creating a paper trail and giving you time to review all information carefully.
You also have the right to seek legal advice before communicating with insurers. We highly recommend exercising this right to protect your own interests.
How Does an Attorney Improve Your Likelihood of Recovering Fair Compensation?
When you retain a qualified car accident attorney in Texas, you signal to insurers that you understand your rights and will not accept unfair treatment. Attorneys understand insurance company tactics and can counter their strategies effectively. They will help you gather and preserve crucial evidence, work with medical professionals to document your injuries comprehensively, and handle all communications with insurance companies. If necessary, they will also help you take any insurance complaints through the proper channels and represent you in court.
Get Legal Guidance from a Car Accident Attorney at Hubbs Law
In the aftermath of a car accident, insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and attorneys to protect their interests – you deserve someone protecting yours. Trust our seasoned legal team at Hubbs Law to advocate on your behalf, protect you from common insurance tactics to lower your coverage, and protect your rights through the whole process. We deliver timely, practical, and purpose-driven legal counsel that will empower you to make your best, most informed decision. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.