The days and weeks after a car crash in Virginia can feel overwhelming and chaotic. An insurance adjuster may contact you quickly to collect information for your accident claim.
The steps you take next can significantly impact your claim payout. Learn a few details insurance companies may not want you to know as you navigate this process and pursue fair compensation.
Insurers Are Not Always on Your Side
While the insurance adjuster may seem to be working in your interest, they are ultimately there to serve the insurance company and will want to record our statement for evidence, which can be used against you. When you provide details about the accident, they will not automatically assume that the information is true or that they owe you a payout. They may look for evidence against you or in favor of their claimant, the other party involved in your accident.
This means you must exercise caution when communicating with an insurer about your car crash in Virginia. You should generally stick to the facts of the case and avoid providing additional details that could be misconstrued as evidence against you.
A Quick Settlement May Not Be in Your Favor
We may see a fast settlement offer from the insurance adjuster as a positive gesture to help you move on from the accident more quickly and start repaying any bills you paid up front. But in some cases, providing a quick settlement offer may be the insurer’s way of lowballing you.
We Can Negotiate a Higher Offer
On a related note, the first settlement offer the auto insurance company provides does not necessarily need to be the final word. You may have the opportunity to negotiate a higher settlement offer and potentially increase your payout.
You might have additional evidence or documentation that better highlights the value of your personal injury claim. Providing this evidence during negotiations, along with a fair counteroffer, could convince the insurer to provide a higher settlement that more accurately reflects your car crash in Virginia.
You Can Appeal a Denied Claim
A denied auto insurance claim does not need to be the end of the road, either. If you believe the insurer denied your claim unfairly or demonstrated bad faith insurance practices, you may be able to ask them to reconsider the claim denial or escalate the denial to a third party for review.
The insurer likely provided a reason for the claim denial. Presenting supporting documentation to show that the decision was unfair or goes against the terms of the policy could improve your chances of a successful appeal.
Your Legal Representation Can Communicate on Your Behalf
Speaking with an insurance adjuster about your claim can feel intimidating. You don’t want to accidentally say something that could place some liability for the accident on you or compromise the claim. Our advice is to not communicate with the adjusters at all, as this can weaken your case.
Many claimants do not realize that an attorney can communicate with the insurance company on their behalf. Experienced attorneys understand how to approach the claim process carefully and strategically to seek a fair settlement offer and emphasize your need for compensation.
Holcomb Law, P.C., Represents Virginia Car Crash Victims
If you are navigating an insurance claim after a car crash in Virginia, you may feel more comfortable and confident with the help of a car accident attorney. Holcomb Law, P.C., provides representation and legal support for Virginia car accident victims. We can answer your questions and help you understand your rights throughout the insurance process.
Call us today at 757-LAWYERS to request a legal consultation.
