If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle crash, recovering your losses will probably involve dealing with the insurance companies. While this is something you can do on your own, there are a number of reasons why it is in your best interests to entrust your claim to an experienced personal injury attorney.
But, let’s suppose you are thinking about (or are already) dealing with the insurance companies on your own. What do you need to do – and what mistakes do you need to avoid – in order to ensure that you receive just compensation?
1. Promptly Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
After an auto accident, one of the first things you should do is report the accident to your insurance company. This is probably a requirement under the terms of your policy (even if you believe another driver was 100 percent at fault), and failing to report the accident could have negative repercussions for your claim.
2. Stick to the Facts
When you report the accident, stick to the facts. Tell your insurance adjuster what happened, but do not make any assumptions; and, most importantly, do not let the insurance adjuster convince you to admit fault in the collision.
3. Do Not Assume You are Getting the Full Story
Your insurance company will tell you want it wants you to know, and nothing more. Do not expect your insurance company to fully explain your rights and obligations, and do not expect to receive advice that has your best interests in mind.
4. Keep Records of Everything
Keeping comprehensive and detailed records is one of the keys to securing maximum compensation from the insurance companies after a vehicle collision. Take photos, keep estimates and receipts, keep your medical records and statements of benefits, and keep a daily log of all of the ways your injuries impact your life.
5. Stick to Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
If you do not stick to your doctor’s treatment plan, the insurance companies will use this against you. They will blame you for exacerbating your own injuries, and they will use this to argue that you are not entitled to full compensation.
6. Do Not Give the Insurance Companies Reasons to Deny Your Claim
Along with failing to follow your doctor’s advice, there are various other mistakes you will need to avoid as well. These include (but are not limited to): (i) returning to work too soon, (ii) posting about the accident on social media, and (iii) providing false information during the claims process.
7. Make Sure You Know Your Rights
As someone who has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to just compensation for all of your accident-related losses under Colorado law. This includes current and future medical costs, other out-of-pocket costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and various other financial and non-financial losses.
8. Seek Help from an Experienced Attorney
The best way to protect yourself against the insurance companies’ tactics is to let an experienced personal injury attorney handle your claim for you. Your attorney will be able to deal with the insurance adjusters for you, accurately calculate your losses, help you avoid critical mistakes that could jeopardize your recovery. Our attorneys offer free initial consultations and contingency-fee representation, and we rely on decades of experience to help our clients win the compensation they deserve.
Have you been injured in a car accident in Denver? If so, call us at (303) 333-8000 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. We are here for you 24/7.
