ArticlesThe most important thing to remember when considering how to deal with an insurance company after an accident is not to let the insurance company intimidate you.
If you understand your rights and have a strong advocate at your side, you will be in a better position to hold your own against the insurance company and recover the compensation you deserve.
How Can I Protect My Interests After a Car Accident?
After an Alabama car accident, the insurance company will try to make you feel like you have to settle your claim on their terms. The insurance adjuster will be happy to answer your questions, and they may seem helpful. But you have to remember that they work for the insurance company.
Insurance companies have experienced lawyers and negotiators on their side. You deserve to have the same advocating for you. If you have suffered injury in a car accident in Alabama, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at the Fob James Law Firm to help you deal with the insurance company.
How Much Should I Settle for After a Car Accident?
After your accident, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement. You should never accept a settlement offer without first consulting with an attorney.
The amount you should settle for after a car accident depends on your individual circumstances. When another driver is at fault for your accident, they may be liable for any losses or damages you suffer, including:
- Medical expenses,
- Hospital bills,
- Rehabilitation expenses,
- Medications,
- Property damage,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional trauma,
- Disability, and
- Disfigurement.
Some of these losses are easy to calculate using documents like medical bills and pay stubs. While your physical pain and emotional anguish are no less real, they may be more difficult to quantify.
Keep in mind that the extent of some injuries are not known until weeks or months after the accident. You may need to be treated by specialists before your injuries can be diagnosed and whether your injuries are permanent may not be determined until after substantial treatment.
Experienced car accident attorneys have methods for estimating your damages. They also know how to support your damages claim with testimony and evidence. After you have shared the details of your accident and damages with your attorney, they will be able to help you estimate what a fair settlement would be for you.
Should I Talk to the Other Insurance Company After an Accident?
Soon after your accident, the other driver’s insurance company may reach out to you and ask for a statement. You may feel pressured to comply, but you have no obligation to speak to them. Keep in mind that the insurance company can use anything you say against you.
If you already have an attorney when the insurance company reaches out to you, simply give the adjuster your attorney’s contact information. If you do not have an attorney, politely inform the adjuster that you are in the process of interviewing attorneys and you will get back to them when you have representation.
It’s always wise to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you have suffered any injuries. Once you have an attorney, they can handle all communications with the insurance company. This way you won’t have to worry about how to deal with the insurance company after your car accident.
Contact Our Alabama Car Accident Attorneys Today
The Fob James Law Firm has over 40 years of experience advocating for injury victims in Alabama.
We know how to deal with an insurance company after a car accident, and we are ready to fight for your right to compensation.
We are dedicated to providing personal attention to all of our clients. To that end, we take on fewer cases than other Alabama law firms to make sure we have the necessary time and resources to devote to all our clients.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation, and learn how we can help with your accident claim.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.