Whom to call when you have had an accident
Insurance companies require immediate notification when you are involved in an auto accident. It is highly recommended that you call a lawyer right away, too, especially when you or your passengers were injured. Your own insurance company is not always on your side when it comes to compensating for injuries and other concerns, and it helps to have an attorney navigate the insurance issues. If you want to know more about this, check out
MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS.
When the negligent driver does not have insurance
Usually the insurance company of the negligent driver pays for personal injury damages. However, there is a one in seven chance that a driver is uninsured in the United States. When the negligent driver is uninsured or does not have enough insurance to compensate you for injuries as a result of the accident, your first reaction may be to settle for whatever amount of insurance they do have available. This is a mistake. You may be waiving your rights to additional compensation from your own insurance company. Often your own insurer is required to make up the difference, step in, and compensate you according to the requirements of uninsured/underinsured coverage. If you settle with the other insurance company without notifying your own insurer and getting their permission to settle, your company may have grounds to deny your
uninsured/underinsured claim.Getting a medical opinion
An insurance company may contact you for a statement admitting that you are not injured or that your injuries are minor. Contact an attorney for advice before giving a statement. Some injuries take a few days before they become apparent. Saying that you are not hurt can be the basis for denying a claim later, so it is best to wait and see how you really feel. Accident victims can be in a state of shock right after the incident and not even realize that they are hurt. No matter how slight the injury may seem at first, it is best to consult with a doctor and get a professional opinion before advising the insurance company that you are fine. Your attorney can recommend a doctor who is experienced in treating people injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Mistakes to avoid
Without representation, you could make several big mistakes with the insurance company. Some common insurance errors made by accident victims include the following:Settling with the insurance company too quickly. Giving a statement to an insurance representative, including one from your own company, without consulting an attorney.
Cashing an unsolicited check sent by an insurance company for any and all bodily injury claims in an attempt to close the matter
If you live in Pennsylvania, contact a Philadelphia auto accident attorney who is experienced in resolving insurance company problems. For more info, visit
MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS.
