Don’t Makes Mistakes That Could Jeopardize Your KY Car Accident Claim

Our Skilled Injury Attorneys Explain How to Communicate With Insurance Companies After a Crash

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you likely believe that the at-fault party’s insurance company will pay for your medical bills and damages. However, obtaining fair compensation from these companies can be a challenge. Because they’re for-profit businesses, they have an incentive to pay out as little as possible, even if you have a valid claim. 

So, it’s important to approach insurer interactions carefully. The skilled car accident lawyers at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey can help you avoid communication mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.

Communicating With the Insurance Company

No matter how challenging, you’ll likely have to interact with the insurance company at some point. Auto insurers are responsible for paying out claims under Kentucky’s insurance system, and this makes working with insurance companies after an accident essential.

Under Kentucky's no-fault law, you may have to deal with multiple insurance companies. As the Department of Insurance reports, your own insurer is generally responsible for paying your medical bills through personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, you may be able to pursue damages from the insurer of the at-fault party for certain losses. These losses include additional medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the driver who caused the crash doesn’t have insurance, you may need to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Insurers Aren’t on Your Side

The insurance adjuster for the at-fault party who calls you may seem friendly and concerned about your injuries. However, these adjusters work for the insurance company and not you. They may try to use things you say against you later during settlement negotiations or in court. Small missteps in dealing with insurers can keep you from getting compensation that covers your losses.

Even your own car insurance company benefits from paying out as little as possible in medical costs. The insurer benefits from denying coverage for medical care when possible. 

This is why it’s important to have a skilled personal injury attorney handle communication with your insurance company or help you interact with an adjuster. With a legal team on your side, insurance companies understand that you’re serious about your claim and have legal counsel to rely on. It’s wise to involve an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

Navigating an Insurer’s Requests for Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters will use the information you provide against you if they can. They may skew your statements in an attempt to pay out as little as possible. Additionally, an insurer may ask you to agree to a recorded statement or medical record release. It’s important that you seek legal advice from a Kentucky car accident lawyer before doing so.

You’re not legally required to provide either a recorded statement or authorize access to your entire medical history. Providing recorded statements to insurers won’t help your case, and doing so could hurt it. An insurer may take information out of context to try to make your injuries appear less serious. 

The surest way to avoid these potentially claim-damaging mistakes is with professional representation. The Elizabethtown car accident lawyers at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey can provide guidance on recorded statements. We also assess which records need to be shared with the insurer and which have nothing to do with the injuries you sustained in the accident and should remain private.

An Experienced KY Car Accident Attorney Can Help

You may not be able to avoid interactions with the insurance company entirely, but it’s helpful to let a professional handle this communication for you. Your attorney can manage the phone calls, paperwork, and other interactions with insurers.

We can help you avoid common mistakes that could damage your claim. This is just one of the ways a Kentucky lawyer can assist you after a crash. In addition to protecting you from unintentionally damaging your claim, our skilled KY legal team can relieve the stress that goes along with dealing with insurers. Let Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey provide you with peace of mind as you recover.