After an automobile accident, most drivers simply want things to be taken care of quickly so they can get back to a normal life. When talking to the insurance company, they think being open and straightforward should help speed up the process. Unfortunately, the insurance company is not motivated by doing things quickly and easily.
When speaking with an insurance adjuster, it is important to understand the role of the adjuster and the benefits of having an injury accident lawyer to deal with the insurance company. The adjuster works for the insurance company. Your lawyer works for you. If you were injured in an auto accident in Denver, contact the lawyers at accidentdenver.com for a free consultation.
Insurance Adjusters in a Colorado Car Accident
Drivers in Colorado have to have insurance to be able to drive. As part of the insurance policy, drivers have to contact their insurance company after an accident, whether the driver was at fault or not. This is the beginning of the claims process to get car repairs and medical bills covered after an accident.
After reporting an accident to the insurance company, the driver will generally be contacted by an insurance “adjuster.” The adjuster investigates the insurance claim by talking to the driver, reviewing accident reports, and inspecting the property to determine if the insurance company is liable for any damages.
The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. The adjuster has an interest in keeping costs low for the company. If the adjuster can shift some of the liability to another party, it will save the company money. If the adjuster can offer a lower settlement offer, the company will benefit financially.
When dealing with the insurance company, it is also important to understand the difference between your own insurance company and the other driver's insurance company. As part of your policy, you may be required to report the accident to your own company and talk to your insurance representative. However, you are generally not required to talk to the other driver's insurance company.
Do I Have to Talk to the Insurance Adjuster After an Accident?
Under your insurance policy, you may be required to contact the insurance company after an accident. Generally, reporting an accident is to be done immediately, or within a specified time period. This may include giving a report of the accident, who else was involved, insurance coverage and contact information of the other parties. After reporting the accident, your case may be assigned to one or more insurance adjusters who will contact you to follow up for more information.
The insurance adjuster will try and get enough information to determine who is liable for the accident. This may include filling in any “blanks” in the story, clarifying where the driver was at the time of the accident and what the driver was doing, and determining if any driver was violating a traffic law or driving negligently.
One problem for drivers is that there is a lot of room for interpretation after reporting an accident. For example, if you say the other driver came out of nowhere, it could indicate the other driver was speeding or that you were not paying attention at the time. In the first case, the other driver may be liable, but in the second case, you may be liable.
Your Owner Insurance Company's Adjuster
Generally, you will have to talk to your insurance company and insurance adjuster if you are looking for payment after an accident. However, if you have a lawyer on your side, your attorney can deal with the insurance company so you don't have to. Your attorney will make sure your version of the crash is not taken out of context and you are not held liable for something you didn't do.
The Other Driver's Insurance Company Adjuster
Be careful about talking to the other driver's insurance adjuster. The insurance company is motivated by profit and may be looking for any way possible to avoid paying you money or paying as little as possible. Drivers who are offered a quick settlement offer should be wary and make sure they understand their rights and options before agreeing to any “deal.”
Can I Just Take the Settlement Amount to Speed Things Up?
After an accident, many injured drivers will quickly get tired of dealing with the insurance company. There may be a number of delays, questions about who was at fault, and suggestions that the accident wasn't that bad. After all the stalling and back-and-forth, it may seem like it is just easier to take the first offer to be done with it. However, accepting a smaller settlement can really hurt you in the long run.
The insurance company often relies on delaying payment and small settlement offers to save the company money. However, once you accept the offer, there may be no other recourse for your injuries and damages. As part of signing a settlement agreement, you are giving up your rights to take your case to court.
Even a minor accident can cost thousands in car repairs and tens of thousands in medical bills. Serious injury accidents can cost millions. Unfortunately, many injury victims take a quick settlement offer and are left paying out-of-pocket for continuing medical care for years to come. Talking to a Denver car accident lawyer before accepting a settlement can help you maximize your recovery.
Why Hire a Lawyer to Deal With the Insurance Adjuster?
There are a number of benefits to contacting a Colorado injury attorney after a car accident. First, it can save you a lot of hassle when dealing with the insurance company. Once you tell the insurance adjuster that you have a lawyer, your lawyer will handle all the calls and contact with the insurance company so you don't have to. Your lawyer will keep you informed of the developments, offers, and options for getting compensation.
Having a lawyer will also show the insurance company that you are to be taken seriously. The insurance company will be less likely to make a low-ball offer or delay your claim when they know you have an attorney on your side to pursue your damages claim. The insurance company has their own lawyers working for them so it is only fair you have an advocate working for you on your case.
An accident lawyer understands how insurance companies work and how to negotiate a settlement offer. Your attorney will seek the maximum compensation for your damages. If the offer does not meet your needs, your attorney can take the case to court. Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to take a settlement offer is up to you but you should have the advice of a professional who will help you evaluate whether the offer is enough to take care of your needs.
Denver Auto Accident Injury Lawyers
The attorneys at accidentdenver.com have successfully represented their clients and families who were involved in a car accident get compensation for their losses. Our attorneys understand how the insurance companies operate and will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.