Is It Better to Go Through an Attorney or Insurance for a Car Accident?

Here’s why you should speak with a car accident injury attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster.

One of the first people who will call you after a car accident is an insurance company adjuster. They will be extremely friendly and make you feel like they’re on your side. But don’t fall for it. If they ask questions about the accident or your injuries, politely refuse to speak with them until you first speak with an experienced car accident attorney. Here’s why you should speak with a car accident injury attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster.

Insurance Adjusters are Not There to Help You

Your insurance company hires insurance adjusters to help them minimize your compensation claims. Unfortunately, this means the insurance adjusters are not looking out for your best interests when asking you questions about the car accident.

The Insurance Adjuster May Use Your Statement Against You

Often, an insurance adjuster may require you to give them a recorded statement of what transpired during the accident. They will then compare this statement to other statements you may offer afterward. They will take advantage of any disparity or inconsistency in your statements to dismiss your claim or reduce the compensation you get.

Also, insurance adjusters may ask you some leading questions that may imply that the events leading to your accident happened differently. This can push you to agree with the insurance adjuster’s statement. As a result, your original statement and claim could be dismissed.

How a Car Accident Injury Lawyer Can Help

Car accidents can be traumatic and could even result in you experiencing temporary memory loss. This can make you forget to record important evidence or give contradicting statements — something that can complicate or devalue your car accident claim. A car accident attorney will help you gather the facts of what actually happened.

An experienced car accident attorney can help you collect evidence, compile witness accounts and ensure your case is not undervalued. This will, in turn, strengthen your car accident claim and ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

You May Be Tricked Into Signing a Medical Records Release Form

The insurance adjuster may use a lie that could make you authorize the release of your medical records. The action may seem harmless, but it could hurt your claim. Your medical records could contain information that could be used to undermine your claim. For instance, if your records show you have prior injury or condition, the insurer may argue your injury was caused by your underlying condition and not the car accident. Speak with your attorney before signing anything that gives the insurance company access to your medical records.

What Insurers May Tell You About Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

“You Don’t Need an Attorney. We’ll Take Care of Everything.”

This has to be the most common lie that insurers tell accident victims. They’ll try to convince you that hiring an attorney is unnecessary and that they’ll take care of everything for you. They may even send an adjuster to meet with you in person to win your trust and make you fall for this line. But don’t be fooled – these adjusters are not on your side. Their job is to save the insurance company money, not get you the full settlement you deserve.

“An Attorney Will Just Take a Big Chunk of Your Settlement.”

This is another line that insurers love to use. They’ll try to make you believe that hiring an attorney is a waste of money because they claim you’ll have to give up a large chunk of your settlement. The truth is auto accident attorneys generally work on a contingency basis. That means they don’t get paid unless you win your case.

“Getting an Attorney Will Only Delay the Process.”

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Working with an attorney will generally speed up the claims process. For example, if an insurance company is dragging its feet on your claim, an attorney can send a demand letter that will put pressure on the insurer to take action. And they can help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer so that you don’t have to go to court, which often takes much longer. The insurance company may pressure you to settle quickly by offering you far less than you legally deserve.

“You Don’t Have a Case.”

The insurance company may try to convince you that you don’t have a case because your injuries aren’t severe or because the other driver was completely at fault; hence, they may say there is no reason to hire an attorney. But even if you think your case is “weak,” it’s always best to consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate the facts and give you an honest assessment.

Don’t Be Fooled by the Insurance Company!

While they may seem friendly and helpful, make no mistake – insurance companies are businesses. And their number one priority is to make a profit, not pay out fair settlements, which is why they’ve enlisted some of the most aggressive adjusters, investigators, and attorneys to help them save money.

Your best bet to protect yourself is to level the playing field by having an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney on your side. An experienced attorney can help you collect and preserve evidence, fill out all the necessary paperwork, deal with insurance adjusters, and negotiate a fair settlement. And if your case goes to trial, an attorney will be by your side every step.

The Hoffman Law Firm has represented car accident victims in Missouri for 25 years. We know how to deal with insurance companies and are not afraid to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.