Unfortunately, after an accident, there are several things you need to remember to do that help build your case. There are also several things you need to avoid doing to protect your rights because insurance adjusters are looking for ways that they can deny your claim.
Avoiding these actions allow you to safeguard your ability to pursue compensation when you need it most. Below, we’ll discuss the actions to avoid and explain how they can damage your potential claim.
The six things you should avoid include the following:
- Leaving the accident scene without speaking with the other driver
- Apologizing for the accident
- Failing to get the right information
- Agreeing to a deal without insurance information
- Providing a recorded statement
- Dealing with insurance alone
While you expect insurance companies and adjusters to be there for you to help you, they look for you to make mistakes that allow them to protect their own profits first.
Call our firm to discuss your rights: (805) 628-4967.
1. Leaving the Accident Scene Without Speaking with the Other Driver
When you leave the accident scene without exchanging information, it’s a hit and run accident. It’s illegal, and it gives insurance companies enough leverage to put you at fault for the collision and deny your claim. Make sure you stay and take all the necessary steps to protect yourself after the crash.
2. Apologizing for the Accident
When you get into an accident, it’s easy for you to feel empathy with the other driver. Because of this, you may say sorry in situations where the other driver is experiencing a difficult situation. Apologizing is a dangerous thing, though, because insurance adjusters are quick to use your apology as an admission of fault, making it difficult for you to get the compensation you deserve.
3. Failing to Get the Right Information
You need to exchange information with the other driver(s) in the accident to properly report everything to your own insurance company and legal team. Unfortunately, there are times when people overlook this important step, and it’s easy to forget certain items that can impact your claim.
4. Agreeing to a Deal Without Insurance Information
Some drivers worry that their insurance premiums will increase after an accident, so they may try to convince you to let them handle the costs of repairs or damages out of pocket. If you agree to this and don’t report the accident, you run the risk of forfeiting your legal options to obtain compensation if additional problems arise down the road.
5. Providing a Recorded Statement
Insurance companies use recorded statements to determine what happened at the accident scene. However, adjusters are also listening carefully to any statements you make that they can use to deny your claim. You have the right to legal counsel when speaking with insurance adjusters to protect your rights.
6. Dealing with Insurance Alone
Insurance companies want you to go through the process alone. You run the risk of insurance adjusters taking advantage of your rights when you do this. Make sure you have legal representation soon after an accident to avoid any problems that you may encounter.
At Crane Flores, LLP, we focus on helping you through some of the most complicated stages of the process. Our team prioritizes your rights when you need it most, focusing on your ability to pursue compensation after a crash.
Our car accident lawyers proudly serve clients throughout Santa Barbara County and Ventura County, including Oxnard, Santa Maria, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and the surrounding areas. We’re ready to help you get the results you need.
For a free consultation to learn more about your rights, we encourage you to call us today at (805) 628-4967 and learn how our team can help you.