Nothing is more disorienting than a car accident. The moments after the crash are often a blur.
Knowing who to call, when to call, and how to speak to an insurance adjuster is critical in injury cases.
Below, the car accident attorneys at Hagelgans & Veronis offer tips that could improve the outcome of your case should you ever be injured by a negligent driver. Specifically, we discuss why it’s often best to speak with an attorney before talking with insurance.
After an Accident…
It’s often a driver’s first instinct to call their insurance after a crash. While this isn’t entirely wrong, what you say on the phone can negatively impact how fault is decided in your case.
Although you pay a monthly premium for insurance coverage, adjusters aren’t eager to compensate you for losses when you need to collect.
Preliminary calls with insurance companies are treacherous for victims who may accidentally admit fault or underestimate injuries, property damage, or worse. Even casual expressions like “I’m sorry” or “I think I’m OK” could undermine your ability to collect complete compensation.
And because Pennsylvania drivers can pick between full-tort and limited-tort car insurance, the qualifications for litigation are confusing at best.
For example, some drivers elect lower monthly premiums in a limited-tort policy, while others pay more to have full-tort coverage.
- Limited-tort policies prohibit injured drivers from collecting noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
- Full-tort policies enjoy no litigation limitations—injured victims can seek compensation for all related damages.
While the type of insurance can affect what compensation is available, the injury itself will inform whether a personal injury claim is viable. However, victims may not comprehend the extent of their injury(ies) until hours or even days after the crash.
Traumatic brain injuries, for example, often don’t appear right away but can result in significant medical need. The same is often true of neck and back injuries and spinal cord injuries as well. Always consult a medical professional after an accident, even if you don’t suspect anything is wrong.
If an injury or significant loss occurs, it’s almost always better to speak with an attorney beforenegotiating with an insurance adjuster.
Have you been injured? Contact a Pennsylvania car accident attorney for a FREE case consultation today!
For minor accidents that don’t result in injury or major property damage, a car accident attorney may not be necessary. In many cases, a driver’s own insurance will be adequate coverage.
What to Expect Next
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney is beneficial to injured victims and their families. Instead of dealing with insurance companies, victims and families are able to focus what’s really important—recovery.
Every injury claim is different, but an experienced car accident attorney will understand how to navigate full-tort and limited-tort policies as well as all available coverage.
Plus, the guidance and support provided by a professional legal team will make the entire litigation process less complicated and easier to manage.
Most injury attorneys operate on a contingent-fee basis, which means they don’t get paid until the case gets settled. Even if you don’t think you can afford legal representation, call Hagelgans & Veronis at (717) 295-7009 to discuss your options.
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