5 Things Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know
Despite their clever and even humorous commercials, insurance companies are not truly on your side. They are in business to make a profit, which means they are anything but eager to pay compensation to people who have been injured in accidents caused by another person’s negligence.
Here are five things to keep in mind about insurance companies after an injury.
1. They Might Offer to Pay Your Lost Wages and Medical Bills
After an accident that results in injuries, you may be surprised to receive an offer from the insurance company saying it will cover the cost of your lost wages and even your medical expenses. This sounds like a wonderful offer, but there is something the insurance company is not telling you. Depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to much more, including future lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and money for other losses.
2. They Don’t Want You to Report Your Injuries
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to report and record all your injuries, regardless of how minor they may appear initially. If you fail to report your injuries to law enforcement and your doctor, the insurance company will do everything it can to discredit you if you bring up these injuries later on in your case. This is why it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after any accident.
3. They Don’t Want You to Take Photos of the Accident
Fortunately, most people carry a cell phone or smartphone with them whenever they leave the house. This has enabled people to immediately begin collecting evidence at the scene of an accident. This type of evidence can be incredibly useful in an injury case, as it shows the scene, personal injuries, and property damage as close to the time of the accident as possible. This evidence can go a long way toward proving a plaintiff’s case.
4. They Don’t Want You to Keep Detailed Records of Your Expenses
Insurance companies want to pay out as little compensation as possible. They often attempt to reduce an injury victim’s compensation by challenging the person’s expenses. This is where detailed records come in. If you have been injured in an accident, keep receipts and records of everything you pay out of pocket, including rental car fees, prescription costs, doctor co-pays, and other expenses.
5. They Want You to Admit Fault
After a car accident or other accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. Influenced by fear and adrenaline, people often ramble and speak without really knowing what they are saying. If you are involved in an accident, it is very important to stay silent on the issue of fault. Let police and accident investigators determine which party is responsible for the accident. This way, the insurance company can’t claim you admitted to causing the accident and deny or reduce your compensation as a result.
Boston and Brockton Personal Injury Lawyers
Need an experienced personal injury attorney after a car accident? At Joel H. Schwartz, P.C., our lawyers are known for working tirelessly on behalf of the clients we serve. Call us today at (617) 742-1170 to speak to a personal injury attorney about your case.
This website has been prepared by Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.