September 19, 2016 | Car Accidents
Some auto accidents may simply result in scratches or dents on your car and you may not have suffered any noticeable injuries. While such accidents may be an inconvenience, they can often be handled through an insurance claim, especially if it is clear who was at fault in the accident. However, when a collision results in injuries to you or your children, you should be careful when dealing with another driver’s insurance company. Specifically, you should be hesitant to automatically accept a settlement offer presented by the insurer.
Insurance companies are constantly trying to limit liability since they are concerned about their profits like any other type of business. This means that they will find ways to limit an offer whenever possible. The following are only some ways an insurance adjuster can limit the value of your offer:
-Claim that you were partially at fault in the collision;
-Claim your injuries are not as serious as you stated;
-Claim you did not require all of the medical treatment you received;
-Claim you did not need to miss work and lose income because of your injuries.
If an insurance company is trying to make any of the above assertions or has offered less than you need, you should never accept an offer. Once you accept any settlement from an insurer, you are giving up your rights to ever seek compensation for those injuries again. Therefore, if you later realize that your settlement does not cover future medical treatments or other losses, you will be responsible for covering those costs yourself.
Discuss Your Case with a Lawyer Before Filing Your Claim
There are several reasons why you should call an auto accident attorney before you file an insurance claim. First, it can be difficult to know the full value of your damages2 if you are unfamiliar with car accident cases. An attorney can look at all of your past and potential future losses to determine how much you truly deserve. Additionally, insurance companies often will not cover losses such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. If you sustained a serious injury that resulted in severe pain and trauma, an insurance claim may never be enough to cover your losses. A skilled lawyer can advise when filing a legal claim is a better course of action to protect your rights as an accident victim.
Discuss Your Situation with a Knowledgeable Indianapolis Auto Accident Lawyer Today
At the Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have successfully helped many auto accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses. To make sure that you receive all of the compensation to which you are entitled, it is important to have an experienced auto accident attorney handling your case. Attorney Merry Fountain can help you today by meeting in her office or by meeting in your home. Call Merry Fountain anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.