5 Tips for Dealing with Your Insurance Company after a New York Car Crash
If you have been involved in a New York auto accident, one of the first steps you should take is inform your auto insurance company about the accident and provide them with all the details about how and when the accident occurred. However, when you talk to an adjuster, it is very important to be aware that the insurance company is not your friend. Insurance companies are in business for profit and it is beneficial for them to not pay you. Even though you may have been paying your premiums on time, when it comes time for a payout by the insurance company, it is going to be challenging.
Here are five tips to help you deal with your insurance company in the aftermath of a car accident in New York:
- If you have been seriously injured in a New York car accident due to someone else's negligence, talk to a personal injury lawyer before you talk to an insurance adjuster. An experienced injury lawyer may be able to help you prepare to have a conversation with the adjuster. Remember that the adjuster's job is to minimize the money their company pays out. What you say can be used against you.
- Remain calm and collected when you talk to an adjuster. You are likely to be emotional and confused in the days following the New York auto accident. But it is important that you gather your thoughts and remain coherent when you talk to the adjuster. By all means, be polite. Don't answer questions that you are not comfortable answering.
- Tell the truth and do not exaggerate or embellish.
- Do not provide copies of medical records or any other paperwork even if you are asked. Talk to your lawyer first.
- Insurance companies are notorious for rushing you into settling. It is in their best interest to settle a claim as quickly as possible – not yours. Some of your injuries may not even surface for days or weeks after the accident. If you rush to settle, you may not be completely compensated for all your damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York car crash, it would be in your best interest to seek the counsel of the experienced New York auto accident lawyers of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro at 212-986-7353. We always offer free consultations and case evaluations.
