Victims injured in an accident deserve to receive the best medical treatment as they recover. That care might extend well beyond a paramedic examination and a single emergency room visit. Patients could require weeks and months of expensive hospital care and physical therapy.

The at-fault driver’s insurance provider should cover all of these expenses. Yet for victims, earning fair support is harder than you’d think. There are steps you should take and steps to avoid when dealing with an insurance adjuster after your accident. Some steps might not be evident to someone unfamiliar with the laws that govern personal injury cases, but you’ll have Hagens Berman on your side steering you clear of insurance pitfalls.

Hagens Berman continues to raise the standards on personal injury case litigation. Our awards and case successes clearly show our dedication to our clients and our determination to protect them from common insurance traps. We carefully navigate cases to avoid the insurance company’s damaging tactics, leading victims and their families to victory.

INSURANCE TACTICS TO AVOID IN WASHINGTON

After you receive emergency care and are stabilized, you will likely be in contact with the opposing driver’s insurance company. Unfortunately, without a personal injury lawyer handling your case, you might spend more time wresting with them than you would like.

Sadly, most insurance companies use the same playbook. They first try to delay their response to your claim and drag their feet so that you are relieved when you receive any settlement offer. They may also try to deny the claim, questioning your credibility and the severity of your injuries.

Insurance adjusters may also try to shift blame in an accident, no matter what the evidence says. They can cite your past driving history as evidence you could have caused your own accident. If you don’t have a legal expert from Hagens Berman safeguarding your claim, you may be convinced that you don’t deserve any compensation and simply give up. Insurance companies will celebrate when you drop your claim. 

DOS AND DON’TS WHEN FILING AN ACCIDENT INSURANCE CLAIM IN SEATTLE

Facing this sort of scrutiny from insurance companies shows the importance of securing evidence that demonstrates your innocence.

There are a few things you can accomplish right on the scene of your accident and in the days afterward to ensure you have a solid case from the very beginning:

DO’S

  • Do call 911: Even if you think the damage is minor and if you believe you aren’t injured, you should still call 911. The police who respond will write up an accident report. This report will be vital evidence that you’ll use to keep insurance companies from escaping responsibility. Paramedics can also find injuries that you hadn’t noticed while your adrenaline is racing right after a collision.
  • Do secure evidence: If you are physically able, get out of your car and start taking photos and video of the scene. Get driver’s license and insurance information from the at-fault driver. Get contact information for witnesses. Check for the possibility of security cameras in the vicinity.
  • Do speak with an attorney: Even if you don’t think you need a lawyer, take advantage of our free consultation offer. We can help you understand you legal options and the best pathway to move your claim forward.

DON’TS

  • Don’t give a recorded statement: You will probably get a call from an insurance representative in the first few days after an accident. They will seek to obtain a recorded statement from you. You don’t legally have to give them one, nor should you.  Instead, let your Hagens Berman representative handle all communications with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters will ask you confusing questions, hoping to get you to say something they can twist around and use against you later.
  • Don’t post to social media: You may face the temptation to share your accident photos and experience with friends on Facebook or Twitter. Don’t do it. Insurance investigators will scan your feed for any posts regarding the crash. Anything you say in a caption or comment can be used to discredit your case. If you’re injured, don’t post a lot of photos of you exercising or engaged in other physical activities. These photos may be from weeks before the accident, but you can count on an insurance representative to use them as proof that you aren’t injured.
  • Don’t accept settlement offers without your attorney: Signing off on the first settlement offer you receive from an insurance company usually indicates you’ve secured much less in compensation than you should have. Once you’ve signed, you won’t get the opportunity to return to the insurance company to ask for more money later if you suffer an injury relapse or need surgery down the road. Those expenses will come out of your wallet. Always have a personal injury lawyer look over any offer before you sign it.

CONTACT HAGENS BERMAN AFTER A SEATTLE ACCIDENT

Accident victims may face a long and difficult recovery in the weeks ahead. Instead of focusing on healing, they must also combat a frustrating financial recovery.

Hagens Berman works to take the pressure off of victims and puts it squarely on the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Contact the attorneys at Hagens Berman for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are ready to construct a strong case against giant insurance corporations to secure the most compensation available for you and your family.