After a car accident, there’s a good chance that you will have to deal with an insurance company.
In theory, insurance provides you with an avenue for recovery after your accident.
Frequently, you must work with an insurance company to get the compensation you will need to recover the costs of property damage, injuries, etc.
Unfortunately, however, actually recovering that compensation is often easier said than done.
While we wish it weren’t the case, insurance companies often try to make the claims process as difficult as possible.
But the car accident attorneys at the Fob James Law Firm want to help.
By educating yourself on the type of information that insurance companies don’t want you to know, you can increase your chances of maximizing your recovery.
The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend
Knowing what insurance companies don’t want you to know is the first step to getting the compensation you need and deserve after your car accident.
One of the first things you should know is that the insurance company is not your friend.
It’s true that insurance companies will pay out claims to compensate parties after an accident. However, an insurance company is, above all else, a business, and its primary purpose is to make money.
Thus, it is important to keep in mind that the insurance company does not always have your best interests at heart.
You Don’t Have to Accept the First Offer the Insurance Company Gives You
Another thing insurance companies don’t want you to know is that you never have to accept their first offer. In fact, you are under no obligation to accept any offer whatsoever.
Insurance companies are businesses. This means they will do nearly anything to pay out as little as possible to satisfy the claim. Insurers will not hesitate to push an undervalued settlement offer if it helps their bottom line.
A lump-sum settlement offer of any amount may seem appealing at first glance.
However, don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer you receive.
In fact, you are likely entitled to more compensation than a first offer would provide.
The insurance company’s goal is to settle your case before you seek treatment and before the extent of your medical injuries are even known.
This is because the value of your case often increases after you receive treatment and have a better understanding of the scope of your injuries.
If you receive an offer to settle from an insurance company, contact an attorney today.
They can work with you to discuss your case and help you protect your right to recover the compensation you deserve.
You Can Get Another Examination After Your “Adverse Exam”
Sometimes, an insurance company will require you to be examined by a doctor before they will pay out any benefits.
This is known as an “adverse exam,” because the exam will be with a doctor of the insurer’s choosing. You will have no say in selecting the provider.
You may not be able to refuse the exam without risking denial of your claim entirely.
However, you can get a second exam, by a doctor of your choosing, after your adverse exam.
After having an independent examination from a different medical professional, you can use those results to ensure that you have an unbiased medical opinion.
You May Be Entitled to More Than Just Compensation for Property Damage
Insurers don’t want you to know that, in addition to compensation for property damage, you can also receive compensation for injuries sustained in the accident.
If an insurer tries to pay out only for property damage expenses, know that you may be entitled to more, including lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the cost of medical treatment.
If you sustain physical injuries or incur expenses related to medical care and treatment, contact an attorney today.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine the full amount you could be entitled to recover.
An Attorney Can Help You Fight to Maximize Your Claim
Knowing what insurance companies don’t want you to know is extremely important to the success of your claim.
The main thing insurers don’t want you to know is that you might get better results by hiring an attorney to help you with your case.
In an insurance company’s ideal world, you would not be represented by an attorney.
That’s because having an attorney level the playing field between you and the insurance company.
For many injury accident victims, an experienced attorney provides you with the best opportunity for recovering fair compensation.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you gather evidence to help prove your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and take your case to trial, if necessary.
At the Fob James Law Firm, we know how complicated and frustrating it can be to deal with an insurance company, especially in the aftermath of your car accident.
We want you to know that you don’t have to go through this process alone.
Our team of personal injury attorneys has helped countless accident victims recover compensation, and we are ready to help you too.
Contact us today online or by phone at (205) 407-6009 for your free consultation to discuss your case and see what we can do for you.
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.