Do I Call a Lawyer or My Insurance Company First After a Car Accident?

Unless you are in car accidents often, it can be difficult to know what to do following a collision. Of course, first you should ensure that you are safe by going to see a medical professional if you have been injured in any way from the crash. When you are looking for pay and compensation, you may think that you should call your insurance so that you can file a claim; but first, consider what insurance companies want. Your insurance holder is a company – a business. While their job is to provide you with financial safety measures for when you are in accidents, they are still considering their bottom line, and may act in bad faith in order to hold onto as much money as they can. This is why calling a Gettysburg car accident attorney before filing a claim with your insurance is good advice.

When should I contact a Gettysburg attorney?

Contacting an attorney after a car accident is a decision that should be made based on the specific circumstances of the accident and your individual needs. While it’s generally recommended to notify your insurance company promptly, there are situations where consulting with an attorney first can be beneficial. You might consider contacting an attorney before your insurance company if your claim involves:

• Complex liability issues. If the accident involved multiple parties, unclear liability, or disputes about who was at fault, an attorney can help you navigate these complexities. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and provide legal advice on how to protect your interests.
• Serious injuries. If you or others involved in the accident sustained serious injuries, it’s crucial to ensure that your medical expenses, long-term care, and pain and suffering are appropriately accounted for in your claim. An attorney can help you understand the full extent of your damages.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorists. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has inadequate coverage, an attorney can assist in pursuing a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Potential disputes with your insurance company. While insurance companies are generally obligated to act in your best interest, disputes can arise over coverage, settlement amounts, or the handling of your claim. Having an attorney can help you navigate these disputes and ensure you are treated fairly.

It’s important to note that contacting an injury attorney doesn’t necessarily mean you should delay notifying your insurance company. In many cases, it’s still advisable to promptly report the accident to your insurer to comply with policy requirements. However, you can consult with an attorney at the same time to ensure that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your legal rights and interests.

What if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement?

Insurance companies are in the business of making money. The chances are very good that they won’t offer you a fair settlement for your collision, even if you are grievously injured and not at fault. This is true of your own insurance company, too. They won’t advocate for more money for you, despite how severe your injuries are. They just want the close the claim.

This is one reason working with a Gettysburg car accident lawyer from the start is so important. Not only can we ensure that critical evidence is secured, but we also go to battle with the insurance companies. When you partner with us, we handle all the communication. We’ll make sure that they can’t twist your words or try to brush off your claim. If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, then we can take your case before a jury. Often, our willingness to try cases is enough to get insurers to offer a more fair award from the start.

When insurance companies act in bad faith

An insurance bad faith claim arises when an insurance company fails to fulfill its contractual obligations to a policyholder despite having a binding insurance policy. This misconduct can take various forms, including withholding benefits, offering unjustifiable explanations, refusing to defend against third-party claims, rejecting reasonable settlements, making lowball offers, misrepresenting facts, delaying or inadequately investigating claims, and using invasive methods. However, it’s important to distinguish between legitimate disputes and bad faith actions. Bad faith laws aim to balance the rights of insurers and policyholders. While insurers have the right to reject invalid claims, policyholders are entitled to fair compensation for valid claims. Bad faith arises when clear indications of misconduct by the insurer become obvious.

KBG Injury Law is your trusted partner when you find yourself in the aftermath of an accident and are considering filing an insurance claim. Our experienced Gettysburg team understands the complexities of insurance claims and is dedicated to helping you navigate this process smoothly. From the moment you reach out to us, we provide personalized guidance, ensuring that you understand your rights and options. We assess your case, collect evidence, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our commitment is to protect your interests, advocate for your rights, and maximize your claim, providing you with the support and legal expertise you need during this challenging time.

Don’t navigate the insurance claim process alone – let KBG Injury Law stand by your side to ensure you receive fair and just compensation. To schedule a free consultation, contact us to learn more about your rights. Our team has locations in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Gettysburg, Hanover, and York, and we are ready and available to answer your questions and concerns about your accident and your insurance.