Automobile, Personal Injury Insurance Claims Dos and Don’ts

When you need to make a personal injury claim from a car wreck, you should proceed with caution. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you can receive for your injuries or lost wages. Contact an attorney from Desmond Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky, to learn more.

The Dos

DO consult a personal injury attorney for legal advice concerning the car crash..

DO allow that car wreck attorney to review your automobile insurance policies to find out what is covered and what is excluded.

DO notify your automobile insurance company right away after you are in a car accident.

DO take pictures of damage done to your motor vehicle by the car wreck, the automobile accident site and your bruises or injuries.

DO take notes when you speak with your automobile insurance company. Make a record of the names, job titles and phone numbers of the insurance adjusters with whom you communicate. If you can, get their claim number as well as this will be used in all future communications with the insurance carrier.

DO tell your car insurance company the truth. Not only does this save everyone a lot of time and effort, but questions of legal liability can be complex. If you fail to be forthcoming with your car insurance company, this could invalidate or reduce your coverage.

DO allow a personal injury lawyer to investigate whether you have additional car insurance coverage that may not be readily apparent. Depending on the circumstances, supplemental coverage may come from another automobile insurance policy, an umbrella policy or because you are a resident relative of someone else’s household.

DO keep the receipts for money you’ve spent on car rental, medical bills, prescriptions and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.

DO make sure you’re aware of the difference between the replacement value of your car and what you actually owe on the car. If the car is totaled, most car insurance will cover only the cash value of your car at the time of the accident. You may owe more than that, however, on the loan or the lease of the car. Gap coverage makes up for this difference. Additional coverage is usually necessary for things like a special sound system in your car.

The Don'ts

DON'T accept the insurance company’s estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance to fully explore the matter yourself. A personal injury attorney’s help can be valuable in determining whether the insurance company’s estimate is fair.

DON'T give the auto insurance company a recorded or written statement until you have determined how you wish to proceed. It is important to know why they think such a statement is necessary and how they plan to use it.

DON'T sign a legal release or legal waiver until you have gotten reliable legal advice. You may feel pressure to agree to a personal injury settlement from an auto insurance company but, it is your legal rights you are signing away. Make sure you are ready to settle her personal injury claim.

DON'T accept a check from your insurance company — especially one that says “final payment” — unless you have obtained legal advice from a personal injury lawyer.

DO Consult a Car Crash Attorney

Your insurance company is legally obligated to follow through on the terms of its contract with you. You have the right to make sure that happens. Contact an attorney who will offer you support, guidance and advocacy. Speak with a lawyer from Desmond Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky, to discuss your situation. Whether the accident happens in Kentucky or Indiana, we can help. I can be reached at (502) 609-7657 or 855-REACH-MY-CELL. I have offices in Floyds Knobs, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky and we can meet at whichever office is more conveniently located near your home.

The Kentucky State Bar requires me to say that COURT COSTS AND CASE EXPENSES WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT.

The Desmond Law Office is a Louisville, Kentucky personal injury firm that specializes in motorcycle, trucking, and auto accidents. We offer effective and aggressive legal representation to accident victims and their families. If you've been injured in a car, motorcycle or tractor trailer wreck, contact us now for a free case review.