How to Handle an Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

Escalating accident rates on Massachusetts roads have become a grave concern. Distracted driving, speeding, and negligence appear to be the primary culprits.

According to MassDOT crash records, Massachusetts witnessed 430 road accident deaths in 2022. The number was 408 in 2021.

Apart from these cases, thousands of non-fatal accidents also take place on state roads. Boston alone had 775 injury accidents in 2020.

Boston, the largest city in  Massachusetts, has some of the busiest roads in the state. Every day, several minor and major accidents happen on its roads. 

If you are a victim of one of these accidents, the first thing you should do is hire a car accident lawyer in Boston. From injuries to filing a claim, there are plenty of things to be taken care of after an accident.

One of them is handling questions and queries from the insurance company.

The Role of an Insurance Company After a Car Accident

Car accidents are a real pain, aren’t they? Dealing with insurance companies afterward can feel like pulling teeth. 

Insurance companies are always trying to pay you less than what you deserve. That’s why it’s very important to watch what you say and get a good lawyer who knows how to deal with them. 

A good lawyer can handle the claim for you, making things a bit less stressful. Here, we’ll share some tips about how to talk to those insurance folks without hurting your claim.

What to do When an Insurance Company Calls You?

If the other driver’s insurance company calls you , remember, you’re not obliged to chat with them. Feel free to direct them to your car accident lawyer in Boston.

Now, if you choose to answer their call, tread lightly. The insurance folks aren’t really out to watch your back. Their main aim is to shrink the worth of your claim. The adjuster isn’t on a mission to give you a fair deal. 

More often than not, they’re on the hunt for any bit of info that they could potentially use against you.

How can an Insurance Company Devalue Your Claim?

An insurance company may use different types of tactics to devalue your claim, such as:

Recording a Statement

An insurance adjuster might try to convince you that giving a recorded statement will speed things along. However, remember, this could backfire on you.

For example, they might find proof later on that doesn’t quite match up with what you said on record, which could damage your trustworthiness. 

Apart from that, a recorded statement might not capture the whole story of the accident or fully detail your injuries. Unfortunately, this incomplete or incorrect depiction could end up lowering the worth of your claim.

Having You Sign a Medical Release Authorization

The adjuster may try to sweet-talk you into signing a form to release your medical records. But be careful, the paper you sign could end up revealing medical details that have nothing to do with the accident.

The insurance company could take advantage of this and reject your claim, blaming it on a condition you had before the accident.

Telling you a  Lawyer is Not Needed

They may attempt to coax you into having a chat without getting any legal advice, or even persuade you not to get a lawyer involved. 

But, hiring a personal injury lawyer can be hugely beneficial. 

In fact, those who’ve had an accident and get a lawyer on their side usually end up with more compensation than those who go it alone.

How Does an Attorney Help You Handle an Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

Hiring an attorney can be the compass you need to smoothly handle insurance companies post-accident. How, you ask? Buckle up and read on!

Step One: Your Attorney, Your Spokesperson

First off, your attorney will act as your spokesperson. You might get calls from the other driver’s insurance company, and it can be really tempting to just spill everything. But remember, they’re not your friend. 

Their job is to pay you as little as possible. 

By directing all communication to your attorney, you can prevent any slip-ups that could hurt your claim.

Step Two: Detailing Your Claim

Next, your lawyer is going to help you make sense of everything and properly detail your claim. What does that mean? Well, a car accident isn’t just about the damage to your vehicle.

There are medical bills, lost wages, and possibly long-term effects on your health.

Your lawyer’s job is to make sure that all these factors are accounted for when determining the worth of your claim.

Step Three: A Guard Against Manipulative Tactics

Insurance adjusters can be quite crafty. They might ask you to sign a medical release form or give a recorded statement, promising it’s all just standard procedure or will expedite your claim.

Sounds pretty harmless, right? 

Not so fast! These could be traps to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. Having a car accident lawyer in Boston shields you from these manipulative tactics.

Step Four: Lawyer Up and Cash In

Did you know that those who hire an attorney usually end up with more compensation than those who don’t, even after paying legal fees? It’s true!

Your lawyer knows the ins and outs of the system and how to negotiate effectively to get you the best possible outcome.

Step Five: Keeping Your Case Trial-Ready

Finally, your lawyer keeps your case ready for trial. Now, most of the time, insurance claims are settled out of court. But if the insurance company won’t play ball, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What To Know Before Taking to an Insurance Company?

• Be cautious about discussing your injuries.
• Don’t offer unsolicited information.
• Don’t consent to having your statement recorded.
• Stay factual: Steer clear of sharing opinions.
• Jot down the adjuster’s details for later use.
• Avoid making up answers: If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say so.

Conclusion

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident in Massachusetts needn’t be a daunting task. Armed with the right knowledge and a competent car accident lawyer in Boston, you can navigate the murky waters of an insurance claim. 

Be informed, be prudent, and most importantly, protect your rights to ensure a fair settlement.

FAQs

Q: Should I talk to an insurance company after a car accident?

It’s advisable not to speak directly with the other party’s insurance company after a car accident. Direct them to your lawyer to avoid potentially harmful miscommunications.

Q: How can an accident lawyer help you?

An accident lawyer can help by representing your interests, detailing your claim properly, negotiating with the insurance company, and even taking the case to court if necessary.

Q: Can a lawyer help me handle an insurance company?

Yes, a lawyer can handle communications with the insurance company, protect you from manipulative tactics, and work to maximize your compensation.