At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston auto accident attorneys know there is no shortage of vehicle collisions in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there is one reportable crash every 57 seconds throughout the state. That number translates into a lot of conversations with insurance companies.
Since the well-being of our clients is our number one priority, we want to help you with your personal injury claim every step of the way — that includes protecting yourself from insurance company representatives when they come calling.
Report the Incident to Your Insurance Company
After experiencing an injury in a Texas traffic crash, promptly reporting the incident to your insurance company is essential. Notify them of the accident, provide necessary details, and communicate truthfully. However, remember to avoid admitting fault or speculating about the incident.
Know Your Rights: You Do NOT Have to Speak with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Provider
The first rule of talking to the other driver’s insurance company is that you don’t have to speak to them. No Texas law says an accident survivor must give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Different rules apply to your obligations toward your insurer, but when it comes to the other driver’s car insurance company, they can’t force you to say anything.
While the liable party’s insurance provider will be responsible for paying for your damages, which means you will have to state your case eventually, we recommend only doing so through a skilled Texas car accident attorney — even if it is not one from our law firm.
If You DO Talk to the Liable Party’s Insurance Company, Do Not Try to Outsmart Them
Insurance providers have used the same tactics when dealing with injury victims since the beginning of insurance policies. Unfortunately, they are highly effective, so we recommend not talking to them with legal representation.
Their tactics will include being overly kind, pretending to care about the extent of your injuries, and whether you are okay – or will be alright. That is precisely what they want: For you to say you are okay.
Specifically, they will continue the conversation, showing the utmost concern for your well-being while looking for information to help them dispute or deny your accident claim.
You might think you know how to avoid saying things that will hurt your personal injury case, but insurance company representatives are clever and will do anything to pay you as little as possible. Do not let them manipulate your conversation. Contact our skilled car accident attorneys in Houston to protect your rights from the start of your claim.
Be Wary of a Quick Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company
Insurance companies may use quick settlement offers to capitalize on the urgency and stress you may be feeling after an accident. They may hope you accept a lower offer without fully understanding the long-term impact on your well-being and finances.
For several reasons, it’s essential to be wary of a quick car accident settlement offer from the insurance company. While a prompt resolution may seem appealing, it’s important to consider the potential implications and protect your best interests.
Including:
- Hidden Injuries
Some injuries may not manifest immediately after an accident. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, or internal injuries may take time to become apparent. Accepting a quick settlement may leave you without compensation for future medical expenses related to delayed injuries.
- Unknown Medical Costs
The full extent of your medical expenses may not be apparent right after the accident. Quick settlement offers often do not account for ongoing or future medical treatments, rehabilitation, or specialized care.
- Loss of Compensation for Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are challenging to quantify. Rushing into a settlement may result in insufficient compensation for these intangible losses.
- Unforeseen Financial Consequences
Accepting a quick settlement may not consider the long-term financial consequences of the accident, including lost wages, diminished earning capacity, or the need for future accommodations.
- Signing Away Legal Rights
Settlement agreements often include a release of liability, which means you waive your right to pursue further legal action related to the accident. If new injuries or complications arise later, you may be unable to seek additional compensation.
Don’t Trust the Liable Party’s Insurer: Get the Legal Help You Need to Pursue Real Results
Contact our dedicated Houston personal injury lawyers at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today by calling (713)-637-4560 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
