After a car accident, it is vital to stay calm and in control of your emotions. This can be difficult, especially if you or someone you love has been injured, but it is crucial to handle the situation correctly. If you become agitated or upset, you may say something that could be used against you later on. It is also essential to remain calm so that you can think clearly and take any necessary actions.
How Insurance Companies Make Money
Firstly, it is important to know that insurance companies are for-profit businesses, which means they are always looking for ways to increase their bottom line. One way they do this is by denying claims or offering low settlements. Insurance companies often employ several strategies, such as delay tactics, denials, and lowball settlements.
If you are involved in an accident, it is vital to remember that the insurance company is not necessarily looking out for your best interests. Instead, they will be looking to minimize their payout. This is why you should know who the crucial parties to speak to are following a car accident.
Police Officers
Many people think that they can handle the situation independently, but this is often not the case. Insurance companies usually try to take advantage of victims by offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. However, if you have a police report, it will be much harder for them to do this. The report will document the details of the accident and give you a stronger position to negotiate from. In addition, talking to a police officer can help to preserve any evidence that may be important in your case. One caveat of police reports is that the police officer writing the report was not a witness to the accident — so, in most cases police reports are not admissible as evidence in court as it’s considered hearsay. However,police reports can be good source to help you remember the details of your accident.
Medical Professionals
If you are injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, insurance companies often try to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out, so it is crucial to be prepared before talking to them. One of the best ways to do this is to consult with a physician.
A physician can document your injuries and provide evidence of your damages. Furthermore, a physician can help you understand what types of treatment you may need in the future and how much it is likely to cost. The more information you have about your injuries, the better equipped you will be to negotiate with the insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.
A Personal Injury Attorney
If you've been in a car accident, you may be wondering if talking to a personal injury attorney can help improve your chances of receiving compensation. The answer is yes. Insurance companies are interested in protecting their bottom line, which means they may try to lowball you on your settlement.
An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to negotiate with insurance companies to get you the maximum amount of money you're entitled to. In addition, if your case goes to court, having an attorney by your side will give you the best possible chance of winning. So if you've been in a car accident, talking to a personal injury attorney is a smart move.
California Car Accident Injury Attorneys
At Ayala, Morgan & Buzzard, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on victims and their families. We also know that insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their profits than in paying out the total compensation that accident victims deserve. That's why we fight for our clients' rights.
For a free consultation, call us today at (925) 744-8869 or fill out our contact form online!