Seattle Automobile Accident Attorneys
How to Beat the Insurance Company
Identify all witnesses so there will be someone to support your case if it goes to court.
Get all contact information from witnesses at the scene. When you interview them, ask them what they saw and make a note of phrases they used like "slammed into," "plowed," "speeding," or "he ran the red light." Some people believe that there are insurance companies who send adjusters to the scene of an accident in order to catch people off guard, asking incriminating questions or to have them sign away any rights they may have to future compensation. So, beware of insurance representatives at the auto accident scene.
To avoid being questioned about your injury by an adjuster, schedule a doctor's appointment as soon as possible after the accident.
We are frequently asked by adjusters, "If your client was truly hurt, why did he wait so long to see a doctor?" If you are hurt in an auto accident in Washington, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Immediately after the accident, take pictures of your car.
A picture taken of your car at the accident scene is proof that is difficult to dispute. Pictures of the damage will help tell your story. If you can, take pictures of the other cars involved in the accident. Some people carry a small, inexpensive camera in their glove compartment for these types of situations. Also, many cell phones are equipped with a camera feature and can be used for this purpose.
Also, take pictures of your injuries before they heal. Bruises and other injuries heal after several weeks, and months after an accident. When the insurance adjuster is arguing that the crash was not very significant, pictures of your bruises and other injuries will help solidify your claim of injury.
Keep notes about your injuries.
As weeks or months pass after an accident, you might forget how it hurt just to get dressed, and the adjuster will try to make it seem like any description you give is an exaggeration. Keep track of any pain medications you may be prescribed for your injuries. Obtain letters from your employer and family describing how the injury has changed your life. These kinds of written documents are invaluable when presenting your claim to the insurance adjuster or to a judge and jury in court.
Keep receipts, because the adjuster will ask for proof of anything you claim as an expense.
You should definitely keep receipts for prescriptions, household services made necessary by the injuries you suffered in the accident, car rentals, etc. Keep each of those receipts so you can document every expense.
The insurance adjuster may try to tell you that your claim is worth much less than it really is.
Without legal help from Seattle, Washington personal injury lawyers like Bernard Law Group, you may have no idea of the real value of your claim. It is the adjuster's job to save the insurance company money by settling your claim for as little as possible. The adjuster will try to make your claim seem unimportant.
The bottom line: The insurance company is not on your side.
The goal of the insurance company is to make as much money as possible. They do this by giving you as little as possible for your injuries. Whether you choose Bernard Law Group to represent you or not, you need an experienced, tough Seattle car accident law firm on your side. Don't try to handle it alone.
Please contact the Washington auto accident attorneys at Bernard Law Group to help you. We will prepare your case so that you obtain the maximum results possible. Allow us to take care of everything for you and fight the insurance companies on your behalf. Please contact us immediately by calling us at 1-800-418-8282. All e-mail and form submissions will be responded to by a qualified and knowledgeable member of our firm within 24 hours. Call our toll-free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we promise to respond immediately.
