Louisiana is a “fault” state for automobile accidents. Drivers are required by law to purchase automobile liability insurance to cover damages resulting from a car accident. Liability insurance pays accident victims, but it does not compensate the driver who caused the crash. If you are involved in a NOLA accident caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. To recover compensation, you must prove the other driver caused the crash, and you suffered damages because of the crash.
Before you have the chance to consult with NOLA accident attorneys, the insurance company for the other driver may contact you. If so, you need to be aware of three tactics used by insurance companies that could harm your chance of recovering a fair and just settlement for your accident claim.
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The insurance company requests a recorded statement immediately.
If an insurance adjuster pressures you to provide a recorded or written statement, you need to be extremely cautious. Providing a recorded statement or written statement without an attorney could hurt your case. The adjuster will pass the statement off as a simple but necessary step in processing your claim so that you can get your money quickly.
Beware, what you say could be used against you. The insurance company may manipulate your statements to deny your claim or decrease the value of your claim. It is in your best interest to consult with a NOLA accident attorney before giving a statement of any type to the insurance company after a car crash.
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The insurance adjuster pressures you to settle the claim without an attorney.
Representatives for the insurance company may tell you that you can save money and settle your claim quicker if you do not hire a NOLA accident attorney. They may tell you that personal injury attorneys only complicate matters and take your money for something you can handle yourself.
Remember, the representatives of the insurance company are not neutral parties. They are not working for you nor do they have your best interests as their top priority. The insurance company wants to limit its liability. It knows that if you consult a NOLA accident attorney, you may realize your claim is worth far more than the insurance company is offering you to settle the claim.
Always take advantage of our free consultation with a NOLA accident attorney to discuss your claim before you sign documents or accept a settlement offer.
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Blaming pre-existing conditions for your current injuries.
If the insurance company discovers you have a pre-existing injury or condition, it may argue that your current injury is a result of the prior incident or accident. Insurance companies often obtain this information through recorded or written statements and signed medical releases. For this reason, you want to consult with a car accident attorney in New Orleans before signing any documents, providing statements, or discussing your injuries or medical history with anyone representing the insurance company.
Call a NOLA Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
Do not allow the insurance company for the other driver to take advantage of your trusting nature. Obtain trusted legal advice from Attorney Fred Olinde and the other car accident attorneys of The Olinde Firm.
Contact our office by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.