When you suffer injuries in a car accident in Kentucky, you will have to file a claim with an insurance company in order to obtain compensation to recover from these losses. However, it is important to understand that insurance companies are not on your side – since they pay for your injuries out of their pocket, the insurance company and their representatives want to offer as small a settlement as possible. As a result, insurance companies guard a few secrets that they don’t want you to know.

If you’ve recently been injured in a Louisville car accident and are seeking information on how to handle your claim, visit our Louisville car accident attorney page to learn more.

#1: You Do Not Have to Settle Your Claim Immediately

One tactic that insurance adjusters like to employ is to approach you soon after your accident with a settlement offer. He or she will claim that the company wants to help you resolve your claim as soon as possible to help you recover. However, this settlement offer may be much lower than the actual amount you need to recover.

Insurance companies employ this tactic early on so you do not have time to discover the full extent of your injuries or consult with an attorney. Avoid making any rushed decisions and do not agree to any settlements until you speak to an attorney.

#2: You Need an Attorney for Your Claim

Insurance adjusters will either not mention that you can obtain a personal injury attorney for your claim or suggest that you do not need one. They do this because they know that a personal injury attorney has the knowledge and skills necessary to help you obtain the settlement you need to recover. You should always speak to a personal injury attorney after you suffer an injury in a car accident.

#3: You Do Not Need to Give a Recorded Statement

When you speak to an insurance adjuster, he or she may tell you that you must give the company a recorded statement about the accident. You do not have to give this statement, and you should not give this statement at all. The company will use this statement in an attempt to catch you saying something they can use against you if you file a lawsuit. Refuse to give a statement and speak to an attorney instead.

#4: You Should Contact Your Insurance Company

If you are filing a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, the adjuster from that company will try to discourage you from seeking advice from your insurance company. However, you should always speak to your insurance company and any attorneys when you think it is necessary.

#5: You Can Negotiate Your Settlement

Insurance adjusters know how to negotiate, but they do not necessarily want you to bring in an attorney to argue for a higher settlement. They will likely try to discourage you from negotiating or try to tell you that that option is not available to you. However, you and your attorney are free to negotiate any terms of the settlement and argue for a higher settlement if you need one.

#6: Insurance Companies Do Not Always Accept the Terms of Your Medical Treatments

When you suffer injuries in a car accident, you have to seek medical treatment either in a hospital or at a clinic. During the initial conversations with the insurance adjuster, he or she may tell you that the company will gladly cover any copayments or necessary treatment costs for your recovery. However, insurance companies rarely pay for 100% of your treatments without a hassle. Since they have to pay for your injuries, insurance companies will try to reduce their liability for your medical costs as much as possible.

Before you speak to an insurance adjuster or representative after your Kentucky accident, seek the advice of a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Your Louisville personal injury attorney can advise you on navigating negotiations with these adjusters and help you evaluate any settlement offers. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and initial case evaluation