When you look to claim compensation after a car accident, your insurance provider is the first place you look to. While the insurance process seems straightforward, what many people don’t realize is that they will be under scrutiny immediately after the accident, and certain actions they do can significantly weaken their case. What may seem like a minor mistake to you might be the crack in the armor that an insurance adjuster can use to reduce your payout or delay and even deny your claim. At Gabriel Law, we handle accident insurance claims on a daily basis as our client’s accident lawyer in New York. In this post, we will note down some of the most common mistakes that can hurt your insurance claim.
Delaying or Skipping Medical Care
If you’re injured in an accident, receiving and continuing proper medical treatment is a must. Not only is it important for your health and well-being, but it is also for your ability to claim compensation. The gaps in medical treatment can allow insurance adjusters to argue that you are not as injured as you claim to be and that your injuries are not connected to the accident.
Failing to Document the Scene of the Accident
Your claim will only be as good as the evidence you present. To present a convincing story about the accident, you need to support it with evidence such as police reports, photographs, CCTV and dashcam footage, and medical records. Without proper evidence, even the best accident lawyer in NYC will have a difficult time proving your case. The lack of evidence will give insurance adjusters the perfect opportunity to delay and deny your claim.
Giving Recorded Statements Prematurely
When you start the insurance claim process, you can expect a call from an adjuster requesting you to make a recorded statement about the accident. As your accident lawyer in NYC, we must warn you against it. When you make a recorded statement, you will be limited to the details shared in the record. This can prevent you from accounting for any future injury complications and other events that can influence compensation.
Apologizing/Admitting Fault for the Accident
Under normal circumstances, saying “I’m sorry” can be brushed off. But when you apologize or admit fault after an accident, insurance adjusters can twist the narrative to make it sound like an admission of liability. You are more likely to make such a mistake if you engage with your insurance company without proper legal counsel.
Accepting Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies will be quick to offer an early settlement. However, the golden rule is to not accept the first settlement since your claim is likely to be more valuable than what the insurance company leads you to believe. The insurance company is counting on the financial strain you are under to break your resolve. An early settlement offer is a bait that you should not bite. Also, when you accept a settlement, you will lose the right to pursue further legal action on the matter. Our advice is for you to work with a New York City auto accident attorney to understand the true value of your claim.
Conclusion
While an insurance claim is a lifeline for someone under financial stress after an accident, one must approach the claims process with a lot of caution. This is because a few simple yet unassuming mistakes have the potential to significantly derail your case. The last thing you want is to walk away with less than what you deserve. If you want to avoid such a scenario, then you need to work with an experienced injury attorney in Queens.
Over the years, the team at Gabriel Law has handled hundreds of car accident cases and insurance claims. It’s safe to say that we know the insurance playbook like the back of our hand. As your legal representatives, we will help you avoid these costly mistakes and build a case that allows you to get the compensation you deserve. If you’re interested, contact us now and schedule your free consultation.
