5 Tips for How to Deal With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company

January 17, 2024

Video Transcript:

If you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault, that was just the tip of the iceberg. Dealing with the at fault party’s auto insurer during the claims process could prove even more stressful than the accident. Hello there, I’m representing Hensley Legal Group a personal injury law firm based out of Indiana. Today I’m here to provide you with five useful tips for navigating the auto-claim process, but first let’s touch on some basics. A car insurance claim is what is filed with the at fault party’s insurer to seek reimbursement for damages to your person and property. In Indiana, only parties who are less than 51% at fault for a car accident will have the ability to file a claim with the other party’s insurer. It’s important to keep in mind that everything you say or do after a car accident can be used against you, but by following our five tips for navigating the auto insurance claim process you’ll be setting yourself up to receive a favorable settlement. In Indiana you have 2 years from the date of your accident to file your claim. Does that mean you should wait that long? Most definitely not. It is ideal to initiate the claims process within a month of your accident. The longer you wait to file your claim the more likely it is that it could be denied. This is because you could incur injuries from a separate incident, which could cast doubt on the validity of your car accident injury claim. To be offered a settlement for your injuries you will need evidence. The best way to amass evidence is to get evaluated by a medical professional within a couple weeks of your accident. Of course, if you have serious injuries, you should see a doctor or visit the ER right away. Seeking timely medical care is crucial both for your health and your insurance claim, as is following through with the treatment plan you’re provided. We recommend taking a less is more approach with the insurer. In other words, avoid providing the insurer with more information than what’s needed. To initiate your claim, it’s likely you’ll need to share your personal information with them, but don’t discuss the details of the accident until you’ve had a chance to consult with a personal injury attorney about what to say. If the insurer asks for your permission to record the conversation, kindly decline. Also, try to stir clear of providing any written statements. A ploy many insurers use to be released a further liability is to offer a quick lump sum settlement at the start of the auto-claim process. Do not accept their offer. What if your injuries get worse down the road? If you accept a settlement you will not be able to pursue further damages from the insurer. Remember, it may seem like the insurer is trying to help you out, but at the end of the day they are are concerned with their bottom line not your best interests. The auto-claim process is tedious, so why not leave all the cumbersome aspects of it up to the attorneys whose job it is to support you? From arranging your medical care, to negotiating with the claims adjuster, we do it all, and the best part is that we won’t charge you anything upfront. We only take attorney’s fees if we win you a settlement. That’s right, there are no down sides to hiring Hensley Legal Group for your personal injury claim. We hope this video has provided you with the tips you need to navigate the auto-claim process with ease. If you benefited from this video, we hope you hit the like, and subscribe buttons below. Thanks for tuning in!