Car accidents happen every day in Richmond, and they are usually caused by the negligence of one of the drivers involved. California law recognizes that accident victims should not have to suffer financially as a result of a crash that they did not cause. As such, injured individuals can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company to pursue the compensation they rightfully deserve. Due to the fact that crash victims know they have a right to this compensation, they mistakenly believe these claims are easy to file. Unfortunately, these claims are actually complex, and those hurt by someone else’s negligence should speak to a Richmond car accident lawyer who can help.
Important Steps to Take After a Car AccidentIt is often difficult to know what to do after a car crash. To protect a claim, accident victims should always:
Failing to take these steps could result in a claim being delayed, reduced, or even denied.
Dealing with the Insurance CompanySoon after an accident, the insurance company of the negligent driver will likely contact you. An adjuster may even visit you while you are still in the hospital. The adjuster will act as though they are your friend and may even agree that you deserve proper compensation. They are not your friend, and they are actually there to try and find ways to reduce your claim.
To do this, they will try to get you to admit fault somehow. If you say something such as, “That car came out of nowhere,” they will twist those words and take them out of context to reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay you. For example, they may use that statement to show that you were not focused on the road and looking for other cars. They may also ask you to sign a medical release so they can comb through your medical records looking for a pre-existing condition. Or, they may ask you for a recorded statement so they can use your words against you in the future.
Sadly, these are just a few of the tricks insurance companies use to reduce and deny claims. They use these strategies in an effort to keep more of their profits and deny you the compensation you deserve. This is just one reason why you should always speak to a car accident attorney in Richmond after a crash.
A Car Accident Attorney in Richmond is Here to HelpAt the Brod Law Firm, our Richmond car accident lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies and hold them accountable for paying the compensation you deserve. We will always ensure your rights are upheld and work in your best interests at all times. If you have been hurt in a crash, call us today at (800) 427-7020 to arrange a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.