When you’re injured in a car accident, it’s crucial to remember that insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your claim if possible. If you sustained serious injuries, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.
Knowing how to handle insurance adjusters after a car accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your car crash claim. The Atlanta car accident attorneys at Bayuk Pratt have extensive experience dealing with insurance company tactics and fighting for the results our clients need. Please take a look at the tips below on dealing with insurance companies, and contact our legal team if you have questions about auto insurance claims.
What Should You Know About Georgia’s At-Fault Insurance Laws?
Georgia is an “at-fault” car insurance state. That means the driver who is legally responsible for causing an accident is financially responsible for the resulting damage and injuries. This includes:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering property damage
- Property damage
To seek compensation, you typically file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The outcome of a car accident claim depends on the evidence showing the other driver’s negligence. Your attorney will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney may file a car accident lawsuit and take your case to court.
Can You Still Get Compensation If You Contributed to the Crash?
Yes, under Georgia law, you may still recover compensation if you were partly responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
Georgia uses a modified comparative fault system to determine car accident compensation. If you were less than 50 percent at fault, a court may award you damages. The amount of compensation awarded will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. If you were 50 percent or more at fault, you will likely be barred from recovering compensation.
Insurance companies will attempt to use this system to reduce your payout by shifting the blame to you. A skilled car accident attorney can counter these tactics and fight for fair compensation for you.
Should You Report the Car Accident to Your Auto Insurance Company?
Yes, you should notify your insurance company of the auto accident. Auto insurance policies typically require policyholders to report any accident, regardless of who was at fault. Failing to notify your insurer may violate the terms of your auto insurance policy and jeopardize your coverage.
When you report the accident to your insurer, be sure to:
- Stick to the basic details: when, where, and who was involved.
- Avoid speculation about who was at fault or the extent of your injuries.
- Decline all recorded statements until you’ve consulted an auto accident attorney.
Should You Talk with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
No. While you are required to notify your insurer, you have no obligation to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. The insurer may try to use anything you say to blame you for the accident and minimize your claim. Let an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer deal with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
Insurance adjusters are trained to:
- Ask leading questions that may lead you to admit fault accidentally
- Use your own words to dispute the severity of your injuries
- Push for a quick, lowball settlement before you know the extent of your injuries
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, the safest response is to refer them to your auto accident lawyer. Your attorney can handle all communications on your behalf.
Should You Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?
No, you should never accept an insurance company’s settlement offer until you have had a personal injury attorney review it and assess its fairness. Insurance adjusters are trained to pressure accident victims into accepting quick, lowball settlements to limit the insurer’s liability. If you receive a settlement offer for car accident injuries, you should contact a reputable law firm right away.
What Should You Do Right After a Car Accident in Georgia?
There’s a lot you can do in the hours and days after a car accident to protect your health and strengthen your personal injury claim:
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention: Not all injuries are immediately apparent. See a healthcare provider as soon as possible to diagnose your injuries. This creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: Skipping follow-up appointments or disregarding your treatment plan can impede your recovery and cause further complications. Insurance adjusters can also use it to discount or deny your car accident claim.
- Keep All Medical Records and Receipts: Your medical records provide evidence showing the extent of your injuries. Your receipts for medical bills show the financial impact of the accident. Maintain an organized file that contains your records and receipts.
- Collect Witness Information: Independent witnesses offer objective testimony that can support your version of events and strengthen your claim. Collect the names and contact information for witnesses.
- Request a Copy of the Police Report: Police reports document motor vehicle accidents, including the date, time, location, and statements from involved parties. They can be crucial for proving your claim.
- Contact a Lawyer: A skilled car accident lawyer can be your strongest ally when pursuing your claim. They can guide you through the legal process and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.
How Can a Lawyer Help You After a Georgia Car Accident?
Auto insurance claims can be complicated. Working with an experienced car accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney can help by:
- Reviewing Your Case for Free: A personal injury attorney can review the details of your accident, explain your legal rights, and inform you of your legal options in clear terms.
- Investigating the Accident: Establishing liability requires having evidence. Your attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation to identify the liable party, gather evidence, and build the strongest case possible.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Experienced attorneys handle many Atlanta car accident cases and bring to each case an informed perspective on the value of common car accident injuries.
- Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will be prepared to file a lawsuit and present your case to the judge or jury.
- Keeping You Informed: Communication is critical in car accident claims. You should be kept informed every step of the way.
Get Help from an Experienced Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a car accident? The legal team at Bayuk Pratt knows how to counter insurance company tactics and fight for the compensation you need. Our Atlanta law firm has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of Georgia car accident victims. Please feel free to contact us today for a free initial consultation.
