When you get in a car accident, one of the first calls you have to make is to your insurance company because you are about to file a claim for your car's damages and any personal injuries you may have sustained. Car insurance companies are used to dealing with car accidents, so when you call, they immediately see lost dollar signs. Whether you are dealing with your own car insurance company or that of the other driver's, it's super important to speak to a car accident lawyer in Houston before offering up too much detail on the crash.
Salazar & Velazquez is a top-rated car accident attorney law firm located in Houston, Texas. Our accident attorneys help victims of car crashes, truck accidents, hit-and-runs, and other types of automobile accidents receive the just compensation they deserve. Below, we'll go over some common tricks that insurance companies may use in order to avoid paying car accident claims to victims. Contact us for a free consultation today!
Pretending to Be On Your Side
One of the most often-used tricks by insurance companies is to pretend to be on the side of the victim. Insurance adjusters (the ones whom you speak to about your car accident) are highly trained to be incredibly nice to you, so you will tell them things that can be used to lower the amount of your settlement. They will make you believe they are fighting for your rights, but in reality, they are trying to minimize their losses.
Getting You to Take a Quick Settlement
The sole job of insurance adjusters in a car accident is to get you as little money as possible as quickly as possible. The sooner you settle, the less likely you'll discover a long-term medical condition or other ailments you may have suffered from the car crash. There will be less evidence by experts, such as medical professionals, who can testify to your mental health. And, you'll be less likely to have spoken to a top-rated car accident lawyer in Houston to represent you (because they know this will sink their case).
Telling You to Not Consult a Car Accident Attorney
Most car insurance adjusters will tell you that you do not need an attorney in order to receive compensation for your car accident claim. While this is entirely true, the real truth is that you are better off consulting an attorney who can fight on your behalf, who understands car accident law, and who truly has your best interests at heart. Remember, top-rated car accident attorneys in Houston don't get paid unless you do; thus, they have incentive to win your case.
Asking You for Full Medical Records
While you will need to provide evidence of your injuries to the insurance company so that they can see the amount of your medical bills, many insurance adjusters will ask for full access to your medical history. This is a huge red flag. First, this is completely irrelevant and unnecessary for your claim. Second, the insurance adjuster is trying to find pre-existing conditions in order to discount your medical claims with the whole purpose of paying you less. When you partner with a top-rated car accident attorney in Houston, they will be the ones to speak to your insurance company on your behalf.
Following You on Social Media
Insurance companies know that in this day and age, people post information about themselves all the time on social media — information they can use to discount your injury claims. Thus, if you post pictures of yourself engaging in all sorts of activities after a car accident that you claim you can't do, you should expect that to be used as evidence to not pay for your car accident claim. The lesson here is to take a hiatus from social media if you have an outstanding insurance case in order to ensure you're safe.
Getting You to Record a Statement
The at-fault insurance adjuster (meaning the insurance company of the other driver) will attempt to get a recorded statement from you as quickly as possible after your car accident with the goal being to get you to admit to things that will lower the amount of money you will receive. They will twist up the facts in an attempt to get you mixed up and admit to things that didn't happen. If your insurance company asks you for a statement, you are legally required to give one because your contract with them requires you to do so. However, your car accident attorney should be present when this happens in order to protect you and your interests.
Playing Dirty Tricks
If your car accident settlement has the potential to be quite large (such as for a life-changing injury, such as paralysis or even a wrongful death suit), you can expect the insurance company to pull out all the tricks in order to save themselves from money. They may hire private investigators to stalk you, take video footage, and obtain information in unethical ways. In truth, the best way to protect your rights and your interests after a car accident is to obtain a top-rated accident lawyer as soon as possible.
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Salazar & Velazquez are passionate car accident attorneys who serve those who have been injured in a car accident in the greater Houston area. We are well-versed in the tactics used by insurance companies in order to get out of paying restitution to the victims of car accidents. The reality is that insurance companies truly don't care about you, your family, or how the car accident has affected your life. All they care about is paying as little as possible.
Our car accident lawyers are used to this nonchalant attitude. We fight long and hard to ensure you get just compensation under the law, which is why it's imperative to call our accident law office as soon as possible after an accident. We will listen to your case and offer representation. While most car accident claims are settled, some do enter litigation. Either way, we promise to get you the amount of compensation you deserve. Our experienced car accident lawyers will take the burden of proof off your shoulders, so you can concentrate on healing. Contact us for a free consultation today!