Auto insurance companies are generally not on your side. If you are a victim of a motor vehicle accident and plan to seek compensation under the other driver’s insurance policy, then your own insurance company could be a powerful ally. In this instance, you will need to show that the other driver was at fault for the accident and that drivers’ insurance companies should pay for your medical treatment, pain, and suffering. It is the insurance companies job to try to discredit the your claims in order to avoid having to pay for the responsible parties’ negligence. They would much prefer to show that you were at least partially at fault in the accident and therefore should pay for only a certain percentage of your losses. This is why it is recommended to speak with an attorney before discussing the accident with the driver’s insurance carrier.
If, however, the situation requires that your insurance carrier cover some of your losses, suddenly your insurance companies’ interests are counter to your own. While still honoring the terms of your policy, the insurance company is now looking to pay you as little money as possible. And when your insurance company is no longer on your side, you need someone who is—someone who can level the playing field, someone who can advocate for you and protect your interests.
Sometimes you may need to sue your own insurance company for under-insured or uninsured motorists, in these situations, details you may have given them can be used against you in your claim. If you were to sue another party, the insurance company may be an ally, but for the most part, you need to proceed with caution around insurance companies.
The problem is that it is not always clear ahead of time which insurance company is going to pay for what, and that’s why Mr. Ghabour recommends consulting with an attorney in the event of a serious accident. If there is a chance you will need to sue, things you say to them or documents provided can be used in litigation.
If you have been involved in an accident, navigating through insurance claims can be tricky. Contact Joseph M. Ghabour & Associates today to discuss your options!
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