Following a road mishap in Los Angeles, you may have a bunch of things to worry about. If the accident was a minor fender bender, you could always walk away without worrying about consequences. However, when you have suffered serious or catastrophic injuries, you need to be cautious about how you deal with your personal injury claim. Hiring a Los Angeles car accident lawyer before you file an insurance claim is always a better idea, and for your help, here are some quick tips for dealing with the insurance company.
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The initial talk
If the at-fault party reports the accident, the insurance company will call you within days of the mishap and ask for a few details. For instance, they may ask about your contact information, which you can provide along with basic aspects. The claims adjuster may have other questions, but make sure that you have an attorney on your side who will answer these questions on your behalf.
Don’t talk about a few things
The claims adjuster is not on your side. They want to prove that their client was not at fault, or you share blame for the mishap, and therefore, your claim is worth a lot less than you say. As such, there are a few things that you should let your attorney answer and handle for you. Don’t talk to the insurance company about who was at fault for causing the accident or how things unfolded. Even if you think you were at fault for the mishap, don’t tell that the adjuster. You should also not talk about the extent or severity of your injuries.
Don’t agree to certain things
The insurance company and its claims adjuster will want you to give a recorded request, and you have the right to refuse. You could be asked to sign a release in return for the promised offer, but do not sign anything unless your lawyer says so. You should also ensure that you don’t sign any papers without consulting your lawyer. The insurance company will expect to settle the claim as low as possible, and it is best to let your lawyer negotiate.
There are some famous law firms that specialize in handling car accident claims in LA, and you can engage an experienced lawyer who can negotiate and figure out the final settlement. You may even file a lawsuit, and it is best to consider all legal options.
