Insurance coverage is mandatory for motorists in nearly every state. The average person expects minimal challenges when pursuing an insurance claim after a car crash. However, many people make mistakes when trying to negotiate with insurance providers and might end up without the compensation they need after a lengthy negotiation process.
There are certain mistakes that are more common than others, and those preparing to handle an insurance matter could protect themselves by learning from other people’s errors. The following are some of the most common mistakes that people make when negotiating an insurance claim following a major car crash.
Apologizing to an insurance professional
What people do out of politeness sometimes puts them at a legal disadvantage when they need compensation. Specifically, the choice to apologize to an insurance professional might seem reasonable given the personal details someone has to share with that professional and the work they must do while handling the claim. Sadly, insurance companies can and do use apologies as a way to avoid responsibility. Professionals may try to claim that the apology was essentially an acknowledgment that someone knows they were at fault for the collision.
Providing a recorded statement
There are some scenarios in which a recorded statement is necessary. Insurance professionals also often try to trick those who don’t technically need to give a recorded statement into doing so. They can then ask questions that implicate someone and make it seem as though they were at least partially to blame for the crash. Those who do have to provide recorded statements often benefit from having legal representation present with them during that conversation to ensure they don’t end up tricked and manipulated by the insurance professional guiding the conversation.
Accepting an early settlement
Insurance companies offer settlements as a way to minimize their liability. Someone who has accepted a settlement cannot request additional compensation even if what they have so far received is well below the policy limits and they have additional expenses. Those involved in an insurance claim need to have a firm idea of what the incident could cost them and how much compensation they could receive based on the terms of the policy that applies.
Ultimately, trying to handle insurance negotiations without legal support is a common mistake. It is often easier for people to obtain the maximum amount of compensation when they have someone who understands the law and policy jargon advocating for them. Ultimately, learning from the mistakes of others can help someone take much of the risk out of the insurance claims process.