Recovering a maximum payout for a car accident settlement isn’t always easy. Unfortunately, many people who are victims of car accidents fall victim a second time to Insurance companies have “delay, deny, and defend” tactics to try and avoid paying you on your claim, and eventually pay you as little as possible. Claims adjusters are incentivized to negotiate the smallest settlements, and specifically trained on how to get you to downplay the severity of your injuries and your accident.
Take the Right Steps Following an Accident
The first thing you should do in the aftermath of an accident is to obtain medical care. Going to the Emergency Room or visiting a doctor after your accident will show an insurance company that you were injured, and you did all that you could to seek treatment. Showing you were responsible for getting a car following a crash is an important step, as delaying care can be raised as a red flag for insurance fraud. It also creates a record of your injuries. Things like X-rays, MRIs, CT Scans will be used down the line in establishing how serious your injuries were.
Secondly, report the accident to your insurance company as you are required to do so. You should not admit fault or partial fault, and you do not need to provide a recorded statement, as you are not required to by law. Claims adjusters often use recorded statements to get accident victims to say they feel okay and downplay their injuries. These statements may later be used against them.
Thirdly, do not say yes to the first settlement offer. The claims adjustor may say that this is the best, last, final offer, etc. But do not be intimidated. You should not accept any offer without talking to a lawyer. The best way to maximize your claim is to hire an experienced and aggressive personal injury lawyer.
Maximize Your Settlement Today With The Jeffcoat Firm
The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Jeffcoat Firm are top-notch when it comes to negotiating settlements with insurance companies for South Carolina car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and trucking accidents. Call us today for a free consultation.
