If there are serious injuries or damages involved, or if there is a disagreement about who is at fault, call a lawyer before you call your insurance company.
The Role of Your Insurance Company
Yes, your insurance company needs to be notified promptly about the car accident. Most policies require you to report accidents within a specific timeframe, and failure to do so could result in denial of coverage or injury claims. Your insurance company will then investigate the accident to determine fault and assess damages.
However, it’s important to remember that this is business for them, and they are focused on minimizing their payouts.
However, it’s important to remember that this is business for them, and they are focused on minimizing their payouts.
The Role of Your Lawyer
Your lawyer is the mediator between you and the insurance company. He or she will be your voice, answering questions about the scene of the accident, discussing medical treatment requirements, and providing compensation details.
There are facts about the accident that you might not be aware of, so it's best to quickly contact an attorney when:
1) There Are Severe Injuries or Serious Damages Involved
If you or anyone involved has sustained serious injuries, or the accident has resulted in serious vehicle or property damages, you need representation. Even if you feel like you were at fault, there's always more to the story, and a lawyer will both investigate the accident and protect you from potential legal action.
2) There Is Disputed Liability
If there is disagreement about who is at fault, you need the experience of an attorney to find the facts by interviewing witnesses, photographing the scene of the crime, analyzing police statements, and inspecting every vehicle involved.
3) There Are Complicated Situations
Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or pedestrians can complicate claims and liability issues and turn into a hurricane of finger-pointing. Your lawyer can help gather and preserve crucial evidence, which is vital for both insurance claims and any potential legal action.
4) Your Insurance Company Seems Shady
If you've already called your agent and they start asking you questions or sending you paperwork, do NOT sign anything and do NOT accept any offers. Your attorney will take it from there. A lawyer can provide immediate advice on what to say and what not to say to insurance adjusters. This can prevent you from inadvertently saying something that could harm your claim.
Also, insurance policies can be complex. A lawyer can help interpret the fine print and ensure you understand your rights and your coverage.
There are facts about the accident that you might not be aware of, so it's best to quickly contact an attorney when:
1) There Are Severe Injuries or Serious Damages Involved
If you or anyone involved has sustained serious injuries, or the accident has resulted in serious vehicle or property damages, you need representation. Even if you feel like you were at fault, there's always more to the story, and a lawyer will both investigate the accident and protect you from potential legal action.
2) There Is Disputed Liability
If there is disagreement about who is at fault, you need the experience of an attorney to find the facts by interviewing witnesses, photographing the scene of the crime, analyzing police statements, and inspecting every vehicle involved.
3) There Are Complicated Situations
Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or pedestrians can complicate claims and liability issues and turn into a hurricane of finger-pointing. Your lawyer can help gather and preserve crucial evidence, which is vital for both insurance claims and any potential legal action.
4) Your Insurance Company Seems Shady
If you've already called your agent and they start asking you questions or sending you paperwork, do NOT sign anything and do NOT accept any offers. Your attorney will take it from there. A lawyer can provide immediate advice on what to say and what not to say to insurance adjusters. This can prevent you from inadvertently saying something that could harm your claim.
Also, insurance policies can be complex. A lawyer can help interpret the fine print and ensure you understand your rights and your coverage.
If you've been in an accident, call Wilkes & Mee. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will provide fast and aggressive representation.