Insurance companies lose profits the more money they pay you. Therefore, they have a profit incentive to not give you what you’re owed after a car accident. Experiencing this can be incredibly frustrating, but with the right legal guidance, you can prevent companies from withholding what you deserve.
Talk to Your Insurance Company as Soon as You Possibly Can
One of the most important things to do to streamline your communication with insurance companies is to report the accident as soon as possible. Make sure to tell your insurance company exactly what happened. Spare no detail, and do not delay this step. If you do not report the accident promptly, it could raise questions as to why you waited so long and might give companies a reason to question the validity of your claim.
Quickly File a Claim With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
Depending on the state you live in, you will receive compensation after a car accident from either your insurance company or the insurance company of the at-fault individual. Georgia is what is called an at-fault state, so if you were not responsible for the accident and want compensation, you need to file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. Be extremely detailed when you recount all of the damages so they understand the severity of what you are dealing with because of someone else’s carelessness.
Keep a Record of Everything That Happened
From the minute you are safe after the accident, make sure to keep a record of all evidence. You should take photos or videos of damages if possible and make sure you have a strong case as to why you are not at fault. In Georgia, you can only receive compensation from the other party’s insurance company if the investigation into fault finds you less than 50% responsible for what happened.
Understand Your Rights
As a person involved in a car accident, your rights vary depending on the state you are in. Understanding your rights and what kind of settlement you are entitled to is important to ensure you do not miss out on what you deserve. Insurance companies might try to pay you less than you are entitled to so that they can profit. It’s easier for them to do this if you are operating alone, so getting a car accident lawyer is your best bet on ensuring no one takes advantage of you after this horrible incident.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Collecting evidence and keeping on top of all the paperwork and steps in this process can be difficult when you are processing this stressful time. Working with a car accident lawyer can help take a load off. Your attorney can work on gathering strong evidence like witness statements and police reports and help navigate communication with the insurance company of the at-fault individual, so you don’t have to.
It’s also important to have a lawyer in the event that the insurance company of the person at fault denies your claim. Your attorney will evaluate the case and your claim and determine your options for getting the compensation you need. In some cases, your attorney might recommend filing a complaint with the insurance regulatory authority, which can be a complicated legal process. Leaving these hurdles to your attorney can make your healing process easier and less stressful.
Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Georgia?
Finding legal representation you can trust can be hard, especially when you are processing the aftermath of an intense incident like a car accident. At Lamar Law Office, LLC, we understand all of the potential disputes that can arise with an insurance company when you are seeking compensation. Contact us today, and you can trust us to stand up for you and not rest until you’ve got what you deserve.