Insurance companies want to pay you the smallest amount possible after a wreck. They use specific strategies to protect profits instead of your health. You should understand these tactics well before signing any legal paperwork.
Nashville is a famous music city that sits along a major river and is known for healthcare and entertainment. The area often sees heavy daily traffic on its many interstates. If you are involved in a wreck here, consulting a Nashville car accident attorney helps protect your legal rights.
Calling You Right After a Crash
An insurance adjuster might call you within hours of the accident. They act friendly to gain your trust and gather information. Do not let this kindness fool you into admitting fault to them.
Adjusters may ask you how you feel immediately after the collision happens. That is why you must be careful about what you share during calls.
Attempt to Record a Statement
Companies often ask for a recorded statement to lock in your account of the events. They search for inconsistencies to use against you during negotiations. Refusing this request until you have professional help is best.
Offer a Quick Settlement
You might receive a settlement offer just days after the crash. This money often fails to cover long-term medical bills or future lost wages. Accepting this early offer usually ends your right to seek additional compensation.
You might feel pressured to sign documents quickly to get your car fixed. Some forms include fine print that releases the insurer from all liability. Check every single detail before you sign. Initial offers are almost always lower than what a case is worth. Treat the first offer as a starting point for your talks. Most people do not realize they can say no.
Monitor Your Social Media
Insurance agents may review your social media accounts for evidence against you. They look for photos of you being active to disprove your pain. Staying offline helps keep your private life out of investigators’ reach.
They might ask you to sign a broad medical release form. This allows them to look at your entire health history. They may try to blame the current pain on old injuries.
Some insurers recommend doctors who might minimize the severity of injuries. Always choose your own physician for an unbiased medical evaluation. Keep a daily log of your pain and recovery.
Adjusters sometimes delay your claim to make you feel desperate for cash. They know bills pile up as you cannot work. Having professional support leads to better outcomes. The company may try to shift the blame onto you. Even small percentages of fault lower your total payout. They analyze evidence to find ways to reduce their liability.
Steps to Take After a Car Crash
- Call the police for an official report.
- Seek medical care immediately.
- Take photos of all damage.
- Collect contact info from witnesses.
- Contact your own insurance company.
- Speak with a lawyer before signing.
Key Takeaways
- Insurers prioritize profits over recovery.
- Avoid giving recorded statements.
- Quick offers rarely cover all costs.
- Medical releases can hurt your claim.
- Social media can discredit your injuries.
- Negotiating offers is a legal right.
