DON'T BE FOOLED-What you can expect if you've been injured in a car accident.
copyright 2000, Joseph Miller, Esq.
1.You can expect to receive a call from the adjuster at the other driver's insurance company shortly after the accident. They will want to take a recorded statement from you over the phone. Don't agree to it without speaking to an attorney! You may inadvertently make statements that will harm your case. The adjuster will be very nice and you will settle the property damage to your car fairly quickly, and usually for a fair price. There is nothing wrong with doing that, but be aware that it is a ploy to gain your trust and confidence.
2. After you settle the car damage claim, your file will usually be turned over to another claims adjuster who is assigned to handle the bodily injury portion of the claim. They will pressure you to settle your claim for injuries early. They may even try to suggest doctors or a course of treatment to you. Remember the adjuster is a seasoned professional and it is his or her job to downplay your injuries and try to save the insurance company money. They may also send you forms to fill out so they can talk to your doctors and obtain your medical records and bills directly. They want to control your case. Don't fill out those forms without talking to an attorney!
3. You can expect the insurance company to continue to pressure you to settle your claim, even though you might still be in pain and treating with your doctors. But remember...you will NOT be paid for any medical bills or treatment rendered to you AFTER you settle. So settlement talks are not appropriate until you have completley FINISHED treating for your injuries!
4. If you discuss settlement with the adjuster, you will be insulted at the low figures that are offered. He will tell you this is standard for these cases. Don't forget that you are entitled to money for your pain and suffering and you may be entitled to damages for permanent injury. You should not tell him or her any figures until you speak to an attorney who handles personal injury cases! You may be surprised to find what your case is worth.
5. ACCIDENTAL INJURY ADVOCATES, LTD. is a law firm which concentrates on representing injured people, particularly people injured in car accidents. Joseph Miller, Esq. is licensed both in Virginia and North Carolina. We have years of experience dealing with insurance adjusters and their deceptive tactics. We are not a "factory" like some of the other very large firms. We will give you and your case personal attention from start to finish, and utilize our experience to make sure you get the maximum recovery in your case. There are no attorneys fees in advance; our fee is a portion of your recovery.
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