BEFORE Speaking to the Insurance Adjuster

An Insurance Adjuster Just Called Me About My Accident. What Should I Do?

Did You Know?

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You should always consult an attorney who is experienced in personal injury negotiation and litigation before you provide any statements to an insurance company. Even if the insurance company is your provider, you should still consult an attorney. Many people don’t even hesitate to speak with an insurance adjuster. Often, the first thing we do following a car accident is calling our insurance company. It’s one of those phone calls after an accident that just seems like first nature. We call police or medical assistance. Then we call our family. And then after the scene has somewhat settled and we are no longer in immediate danger, we call our insurance provider. We proceed to tell them everything that occurred. We explain what we were doing before the accident, where we were coming from, where we were going, who was in the car with us, and what we were specifically doing at the time of the collision. We then proceed to discuss any damage to our vehicle or injuries we have suffered. During this time we are entirely focused on rebuilding the damage and getting back to normal as soon as possible. We often do not consider the incredible damage we might be causing by speaking with an insurance company. While insurance companies aren’t bad; speaking to them prematurely or providing excessive information can be harmful to the recovery process.

The Insurance Company Does Not Work For You

Frequently after an accident, an insurance claim adjuster will call you and say that they are assigned to your case and will be working with you. Many people mistakenly believe that this means that the insurance company is working for them. That is absolutely wrong. The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. This is often very confusing. They use language that leads you to believe that they work for you and have your best interest in mind. They say things like “I’m here to help you,” or “I will be assisting you in your recovery process.” This language is used specifically to make you trust the insurance company and believe that they represent your interests. In reality, the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company.

Often the insurance company will do everything they can to delay, diminish, or deny your claim altogether. They are in the business of making money and they cannot make money if they are giving it all to you after your accident. The insurance company will strictly analyze your statement and the statements of everyone else involved in order to uncover ways to reduce your compensation or to deny your claim entirely. They want to pay you as little money as possible. Think about it this way: when you buy a new car you shop around. You research online, you visit different dealerships, you compare different brands and models and when you do decide which car you would like to purchase you probably haggle with the dealer in order to get the best deal possible. You do not want to pay any more than you absolutely must. The insurance company takes a similar approach when evaluating your claim. Consequently, this means that everything you say can be used against you.

Speaking With An Insurance Adjuster Will Often Hurt Your Case

Anything you tell a representative of the insurance company will likely be documented and heavily scrutinized later. As mentioned before, insurance adjusters use specific language to make you feel comfortable enough to tell them anything. And they are working harder each day to research your case to reduce your claim against them. Things that people would often not consider relevant to the case can completely alter negotiation settlements. Simply stating where you were coming from when you were involved in a car accident or mentioning something insignificant that you were doing at the time of the accident can be escalated by the insurance company to show that you are at least partially liable.

Often you will be contacted by the insurance provider of the other person involved in the accident. Many people are relieved when they find that the other person, who they believe is at fault, is also insured by the same insurance company. In most cases, this can actually be worse. Due to this common provider, people will think that the insurance company will not fight hard to challenge the claim. When this situation arises the insurance company used by both parties will often have the exact opposite reaction. If the insurance company represents both you and the other party who caused the accident, they will be responsible for compensating you both. They must compensate you for your personal injuries and the damages to your vehicle. And they will be required to pay the other driver for any of their personal injuries and vehicle damages. Essentially, when both parties are represented by the same insurance company, the end result is a double payout by the insurance provider. Insurance companies in this situation will work even harder to find ways to reduce or dismiss your claim.

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You should never speak with an insurance adjuster prior to consulting an attorney. They will be looking for any reason they can find to delay, reduce, or deny your claim and prevent you from receiving just compensation. You should consult an attorney who is experienced in personal injury negotiation and has a long-standing history of dealing with insurance companies. Our law office has been helping people like you, who have been hurt in car or truck accidents, for over 20 years. We care about our clients and work diligently to protect your rights. We also understand how difficult the recovery process can be after an accident. The last thing you should have to worry about is handling manipulative insurance companies all by yourself. If you have been involved in a car accident and need assistance dealing with insurance adjusters, call our law office. We’re available day or night.

This blog was posted by our Attorneys Laredo, Texas

Workers Comp – Workplace Accident Lawyers

Here are some common questions regarding the Workers’ Compensation system. The information contained in this section may not be different depending on the Labor Codes that may not be applicable in all states. This page is not intended to provide legal advice. If you have any questions regarding your injury or specific rights under Workers’ Compensation, you need to consult an attorney.

What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Insurance employers purchase to cover workplace injuries.

What should you do if you are injured while at work?

First, you should notify your employer, and request that the compensation insurance carrier be notified.

Ask your employer to refer you to a doctor. The employer can “control” your medical treatment for the first 30 days. This means that your employer can determine what doctor you will treat with. After this time has run you have the right to change doctors.

At the first appointment, tell the doctor exactly how the injury happened, and all parts of your body that are hurting. Be sure the doctor documents all your complaints. If a complaint is not reported to the insurance carrier, it could impact your ability to recover benefits later on. More here @ https://no1-lawyer.com/
Make sure you keep your doctor’s appointments. Failure to do so could affect your right to collect benefits. Also, keep your employer and the representative from the insurance company updated on your treatment. Doctors do not always give prompt updates. You do not want to risk having your benefits suspended.

Are you covered under Workers’ Compensation when you are away from your employer’s location when the injury takes place?
Depending on the facts surrounding the injury, you may or may not be covered under Workers’ Compensation. For instance, if you are injured while traveling for your employer, you are most likely covered, whereas if you are injured while on a break, you are most likely not covered. If you are not sure, you need to consult with an attorney.

What if you re-injure a part of your body?
If you are injured on the job you have the right to collect benefits. A preexisting condition will not affect your rights to obtain medical treatment or disability payments. It may affect your right to permanent disability and retraining.

What if you or a co-worker caused the injury?
Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system. As long as you are not filing a fraudulent claim, or have not deliberately caused the injury, you are entitled to benefits no matter whose actions caused the injury.

What if the injury was caused by someone you do not work with, or by a product or machine?
If a person you do not work with caused the accident, or the injury was caused by a malfunctioning product or machine, you are still entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. In addition, you may have grounds to recover damages from the other party not covered by Workers’ Compensation. You should consult an attorney if you believe someone other than a co-worker caused the accident. Be sure your attorney knows you have received compensation benefits, since under Law you may have to reimburse your employer for the benefits received under Workers’ Compensation. Unlike the Workers’ Compensation, civil lawsuits are fault-based. Depending on the facts surrounding the injury, if you or a co-worker caused the injury, this fact will reduce your potential recovery.

What benefits are you entitled to under Workers’ Compensation?
First, you are entitled to medical care under the Workers’ Compensation. If the doctor determines that you can no longer work your current job you may be entitled to disability payments. At some point, the doctor will write a “permanent and stationary” report and provide a “rating”. You may then be entitled to permanent disability payments. Lastly, if the doctor determines that you can no longer work at your current job, you may be entitled to rehabilitation or training for a new job. Click on this link@ https://www.carabinshaw.com/midland-texas-oil-field-pipeline-accident-attorneys.html

Do you need a lawyer?
This is a decision you need to make depending on your situation. If you are satisfied with the treatment you are receiving by your employer and the doctor, then you may not require counsel. However, if you have any questions or concerns, you should see an attorney. Most lawyers will provide a free consultation. You can decide then whether you require formal representation. Remember that attorney fees under Workers’ Compensation laws are set by statute.

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Truckers call them no zone areas

We call them blind spots and trucks have enormous ones. Typically, the larger trucks such as 18 wheeler, semi-trucks and tractor trailers have larger the blind spot. When a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian is within a truck’s blind spot, an accident with serious injury or spinal cord injury may ensue.

Many motorists mistakenly believe that truck drivers have a better view of the road because they sit higher than the driver of a car. In reality, large vehicle drivers have serious blind spots where a car can disappear from view. More information @ https://truckaccidentattorneysa.com/san-antonio-truck-accident-lawyers/
Be aware and cautious—avoid the dreaded no zone areas

A truck is surrounded by blind spots and the most dangerous areas include:

Side no zones
Side no zones are the most well-known and perhaps the most dangerous of all of a truck’s blind spots. Located along either side of the truck, they usually extend from directly behind the cab to the back end of the tractor trailer. To avoid truck accidents in these no-zone areas, make sure that you can see the truck driver’s face in their side mirrors. A good rule of thumb truck accident and spinal injury lawyers have is that if you cannot see the driver in the truck’s rear-view mirror, he or she cannot see you either. Cick here @ https://lawyers-pi.com/truck-accident-lawyers-laredo/

Rear no zone
Since most large trucks are hauling trailers, they cannot use rear-view mirrors to check for vehicles behind them. The blind spot behind 18 wheeler, semi-trucks and tractor trailers can contain entire automobiles and vehicles. When traveling behind a large truck remain back far enough so that the driver can see you in their side mirrors to avoid truck accidents.

Front no zone
Most trucks have an elevated cab and this positions the truck driver in a seat that is much higher than those in other types of vehicles. If a small car is too close to the front of a truck, the driver may look right over them, not seeing them at all causing a car and truck accident.

Contact Spinal Injury and Truck Accident Lawyers
If you suffer injuries such as spinal or back injuries and have property damage due to a blind spot truck accident, let the trucking accident attorneys at our Law Office get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a consultation.