What To Do if an Insurance Company Calls You After a Car Accident?
Every year, thousands of people in North Las Vegas and other parts of Nevada are involved in car accidents. Although the collision itself can be a traumatic experience, the aftermath can be even more stressful when dealing with an insurance company.
When an insurance company calls you after a car accident, you need to know your rights and how to handle the situation. Contact a North Las Vegas car accident lawyer at Cameron Law to get professional and competent guidance in dealing with the insurance company.
Why Do Insurance Companies Call You After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, insurance companies may call you to gather information about the accident and assess your damage. They may also ask you for your version of events, request more information, and generally try to get as much information as possible. The primary reason for this is to figure out who was at fault for the accident and how much coverage they need to provide. At Cameron Law, we specifically guard our clients from the insurance companies and do not allow the insurance companies to contact our clients directly, which removes the added stress of communicating with the insurers for our clients and provides the added benefit of protecting our client’s from accidentally saying something that, out of context, could be used against them later to devalue their claim.
5 Rules to Follow When Answering Questions from an Insurance Company
As a general rule, Cameron Law recommends you never speak to an insurance company after an accident without first consulting with a lawyer. If you do decide to speak with the insurance company without a lawyer, Cameron Law recommends you follow these five rules when answering questions from an insurance company after a car accident:
- Be honest and accurate;
- Only provide the information that is being asked for;
- Do not speculate;
- Do not admit fault or apologize; and
- Do not sign anything without consulting with your lawyer first.
Knowing what to expect and how to protect your interests when you receive a phone call from the insurance company can make the process smoother and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Tactics the Insurance Company May Use to Devalue or Deny Your Claim
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will use any tactics they can to devalue or deny your claim. Here are some of the tactics commonly used by insurance companies:
- Using your own words against you. Anything you say to the insurer can be used against you. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that would compromise the claimant’s chances of receiving fair compensation.
- Stalling and delay tactics. Insurance companies may take their time investigating your claim, requesting additional documentation, and dragging out the settlement process. They do this to frustrate you, hoping that you will give up and walk away from the claim. The problem with stalling and delay tactics is that you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after the accident. Under Nevada law, you must bring a lawsuit within two years from the date of injury to be able to recover damages (NRS § 11.190).
- Lowball offers to settle your claim quickly. Insurers may offer a lowball settlement offer to get you to settle for less than what your claim is worth. You should always be careful when it comes to settlement offers from insurance companies. It is best to consult with a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.
- Asking for a recorded statement. Another tactic the insurance company may use is asking for a recorded statement. They may use this statement against you later on in your claim to deny or devalue your claim.
- Disputing your medical bills. Insurance companies may review your medical bills and dispute the charges, arguing that they are unnecessary or excessive. To avoid this situation, make sure that you document all your medical expenses and have your healthcare provider provide you with the necessary documentation.
Do not fall for these tactics. You have a right to pursue fair and full compensation for your losses and damages.
Cameron Law Can Help You Deal with the Insurer
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you receive a phone call from the insurance company. In this situation, you might want to hire a lawyer to protect your rights and interests. Our experienced lawyer can help you deal with the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery. Call 702-745-4545 for a free case evaluation.
