Sometimes, dealing with what comes after a car accident can actually be more stressful than the accident itself. Insurance companies are businesses, and if they pay out too many claims, they don’t make money. This means that your goals and theirs are fundamentally at odds with one another, and you need the help of a McAllen, TX auto accident lawyer to ensure you are treated fairly as you deal with an insurance company after a car accident.
1. Gather Evidence and Make Copies
You will need plenty of evidence to show exactly what happened in your accident. If it’s safe to do so, spend some time taking pictures of everything and talking to any witnesses. Get everyone’s contact information, note if there are any dash cams or traffic cameras in the area, and be sure to find out the name and badge number of the police officer who investigates the crash. Make copies of all your evidence so that, whatever you send to the insurance company, you have a back-up in case something gets lost.
2. Keep Records of Everything
Anything at all that is related to the accident? Keep a record of it. This includes every medical bill and every receipt, whether that’s an Uber ride to a medical appointment, a couple hours of babysitting because you’re too injured to watch your kids, or some kind of medical aid device to help you recover. You should also keep all correspondence that you have with everyone, from the police to the other driver to any witnesses; and certainly anything that your insurance company sends you.
3. Always Work with a McAllen, TX Auto Accident Lawyer
Your car accident lawyer is on your side at a time when not many others are. The relief of being able to say “please contact my lawyer” when an insurance adjuster comes knocking can’t be overstated. Insurance adjusters are well-trained in asking just the right questions, and often their goal is to get you to say something they can use to blame you for more fault in an accident than you bear. Your lawyer can protect you by standing between you and the insurance company and negotiating with them on your behalf.
Plus, simply having an experience lawyer with the will and qualification to take your case to court if necessary will often bring the insurance company to the negotiating table in better faith.
4. Don’t Sign Anything Without Your Lawyer
It’s common for insurance companies in these situations to make an initial, often very lowball offer. Sometimes, this is just the opening shot in the negotiation process. Other times, they are hoping that you will be so desperate for money that you’ll take anything, even if it doesn’t come close to covering all your losses. Stay strong and talk to your lawyer. Your lawyer can help you identify ways to manage your finances until a proper settlement can come through and will protect you from unreasonably low offers.
Don’t try to face a well-connected and experienced insurance company and their lawyers on your own. Contact the Almaraz Law Firm in Midland, Houston, Laredo, San Antonio, and McAllen, TX today for help.
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Almaraz Law Firm
212 W. Nolana Ave. McAllen, TX 78504,
8422 Fountain Circle, San Antonio, TX 78229
701B W. Indiana Ste. 20, Midland, Texas 79701
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm
*Midland, Texas available by appt only*
