Car insurance companies are prepared for the consequences of car accidents and personal injury claims. Insurance companies have an entire process that is involved with handling insurance claims related to car accidents. Most also hire a team of lawyers to defend their company from lawsuits.
Drivers file personal injury claims to auto insurance companies when they believe that another driver was at fault for the wreck instead of them. Some insurance companies may offer you monetary compensation, but others may wrongfully deny a legitimate claim. This is when a Tennessee auto accident lawyer can intervene to help you obtain fair compensation.
Documenting the Accident
Documenting evidence of the accident and any negligence involved is important for building you a strong defense for your claim. The first thing you should do is call 911 because you will need a copy of the police report. Police reports serve as confirming evidence from a trusted professional that is often cross-checked with your evidence in court along with any evidence your lawyer presents. You will save yourself a lot of money and your lawyer a lot of time if you take notes at the scene of the incident, collect witness reports, and the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
If your phone is intact or if you can borrow someone else’s phone, take pictures of the wreckage and your injuries. Organize the collected evidence as best you can for your claims adjuster.
Meeting Your Claims Adjuster
The claims adjuster is the person who will be assigned to you after you submit a claim to the auto insurance company. They will talk to witnesses of the accident. They may inspect your car in person. The adjuster will likely contact your doctor to gain access to proof of your injuries through your medical records. You will also be expected to explain your side of the story. Beware, however, of stretching the truth because many insurance companies have a special investigations unit that cross-checks for fraud.
Resolving Claim Disputes
Your claims adjuster will deny your claim in some cases. This may happen for numerous reasons. First, your claims adjuster does not believe you. Second, they do not have enough evidence to support your claim. Third, could be negligent due to an ulterior motive like saving the insurance company money. In other cases, your claims adjuster will offer you a settlement. This does not always mean that the settlement is a fair deal though. If the compensation offered is not enough to cover all the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, then you should consider hiring a lawyer in Tennessee.