After an event as traumatic as a car accident, it’s understandable to want to get through the aftermath as quickly as possible. However, if you rush to try to settle with an insurance company on your own, it might end up costing you additional time and a lot of money in the long run.
Are You Really in ‘Good Hands’?
Insurance companies often portray that they will be there to take care of you after an accident, but this is usually not the complete truth. The reality is that these companies look out for their own interests above the interests of accident victims.
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators, and they’re incentivized to pay out as little money as possible for claims. This usually means that they’ll try everything they can to deny your claim, delay your payment, or reduce the amount of money the insurance company pays you.
Should You Talk to Insurance Companies After an Accident?
Insurers often try to talk car accident victims into low settlements, claiming the settlement is the best offer possible. However, victims who accept low offers right away typically don’t get the money they deserve, plus they might end up having to pay out of their own pocket for damages caused by others’ negligence.
These companies also work to find things they can use to claim that victims were partially or completely responsible for accidents, so they can reduce or eliminate victims’ compensation. They might show up at the accident scene or call victims when they’re still in shock from the crash and try to trick them into saying something that they can twist and use against them.
The best way to protect your rights after a car accident is to avoid talking with the insurance company until you’ve had a chance to consult with an experienced attorney. Let your attorney handle communications with the insurer for you.
Liability, PIP, UM / UIM, and Other Types of Coverage
Tennessee law requires drivers to have liability car insurance. Liability coverage kicks in when you cause an accident and helps pay for the other person’s injuries and property damage.
Along with liability, insurers often include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) in their minimum policy plans, but policyholders can reject this coverage in writing. UM/UIM helps cover your medical and property damage bills if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your expenses. It also helps cover your expenses if you’re in a hit-and-run collision.
While Tennessee doesn’t require drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, many drivers purchase PIP to help make sure their expenses are taken care of. It covers you and your passengers’ medical bills, in addition to things like lost wages and other costs. This type of insurance might also cover you if you’re hit while walking or biking.
Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Greeneville Help With My Claim?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, The Terry Law Firm is here to help stand up for your rights. For over 50 years, we have been helping clients across Greeneville and the surrounding areas fight against low settlement offers and seek the money they deserve for their injuries. We want to do the same for you.
To get started, call us or contact us online to set up your free consultation.
