I still remember my accident like it was yesterday. One minute I was driving my daughter to school and the next I was waking up in a hospital bed. It was frustrating to deal with the emotional trauma of forgetting an entire week of my life, in addition to stressing about my small child. Fortunately, we were both able to recover, but it wasn't easy walking dealing with the medical bills that accompanied the accident. I found myself struggling with things as simple as answering the phone, because I was nervous about dealing with another insurance adjuster. Fortunately, by working with a lawyer, I was able to make sense of my situation. I know that you can overcome difficult challenges too, which is why I shared my story on this website.
Working Through Emotional Trauma
How To Counter Common Tactics Used By Insurance Companies To Deny Car Accident Injury Claims
Debra Hawkins
Have you been injured in a car accident due to another driver's negligence? Depending on the liability laws in your state, you may receive compensation from either your insurer or the liable driver's insurance company. Either way, some insurance firms employ tactics to lower the compensation amount or deny claims. If you are unaware of these tactics, you may fall into a trap and end up with little or no compensation. Therefore, read on for tips on how to counter the common tactics used by insurance firms to deny injury claims.
Don't Issue a Recorded Statement
Shortly after reporting a car crash, the insurance company may contact you to ask for a recorded statement. This statement provides details of the crash, including information on your well-being after the accident. Most accident victims get pretty shaken up after a crash, so they may forget crucial details. One can end up giving false information or downplaying their injuries.
The information provided in the statement can make or break your claim. For example, if you said your injuries weren't severe, you may be unable to claim for delayed injuries such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, numbness, and emotional trauma. Therefore, to protect your interests, avoid issuing a recorded statement before getting a medical examination or speaking to your injury lawyer.
Be Careful With Independent Medical Exams
Some insurance companies ask victims to receive an Independent Medical Exam (IME). Unfortunately, the doctor's opinion may be biased against you. For example, if you suffered severe back pain from the accident, the doctor will note this in their report. However, the report may also suggest that the injury was pre-existing and that the accident only exacerbated it.
As long as your claim is in the settlement stage, you aren't obligated to accept this examination. However, refusing to undergo the exam may hurt your case. Therefore, be careful when answering medical questions. Do not provide information that's unrelated to the current accident, as the insurance company may use it against you.
However, do not lie or exaggerate your symptoms. If possible, ask a loved one to accompany you to the examination. They will act as a witness if you later disagree with the firm on the accuracy of the exercise.
Protect Your Medical Records
Insurance companies cannot access your medical records without your consent. Thus, they may ask for permission to view the records. If you allow full access, any conditions you have been treated for in the past may affect your claim. Unless you have filed a lawsuit, you aren't legally required to reveal your medical records. However, even if you have to, you should only disclose records relevant to your injuries.
Don't allow the insurance company to cheat you out of your compensation. Hire a car accident law firm, such as the Law Offices of Gavin W Murphy, PLLC, so they can take over your claim and protect your interests.
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