“Will I get fair compensation from insurance after my Atlanta accident?”
Turning to your insurance company for help is a natural inclination after an Atlanta accident.
It’s crucial to understand, however, that insurance companies’ primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not your well-being. While insurance representatives may seem helpful initially, their interests and yours will diverge as your claim progresses.
Why Accident Victims Shouldn’t Trust Their Insurance for Protection
Insurance companies like to portray themselves as caring and customer-focused. But it’s important to remember that they are for-profit businesses first and foremost. Their primary goal is to maximize profits, and the most straightforward way to do so often involves minimizing payouts on claims.
Even if you’ve been a loyal customer for years, your insurance company is not obligated to serve as your representative or provide the support you need during this difficult time.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Insurance adjusters are trained to assess liability and negotiate settlements in ways that benefit their company. They have a fiduciary duty to their shareholders, not to you.
“While insurance companies may seem helpful initially, the relationship often takes a downward turn as the claims process unfolds. Even if an adjuster or insurance rep seems friendly, they’re still working for the insurance company and trying to gather information that could be used to minimize a victim’s rightful claim.”
— Jason Schneider, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Schneider Williamson
Should I Call My Insurance Company After an Atlanta Accident?
Georgia law states that you must notify your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident. That said, your first priority should be safety in the moments after the accident happens.
Here are the calls to make and actions to take if you’ve been in an Atlanta accident:
- Call Emergency Services. If your vehicle is still on the road or you’re in a dangerous situation, call 911 immediately. Police response can prevent subsequent accidents at the scene, and a police report can be crucial evidence in your personal injury claim.
- Move Your Vehicle (If Possible). If your car is blocking traffic or in a hazardous location, move it to a safe spot or call a towing service.
- Take Photos and Videos. Capture evidence of the crash and the state of both vehicles using your phone camera, just in case it is needed later on.
- Contact a Loved One: Inform a friend or family member about the accident. Sharing your experience can be emotionally helpful and practical. You may need assistance with childcare, work, or other responsibilities.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Once the initial shock wears off and you’ve taken care of immediate concerns, call your insurance company to begin the claims process.
- Engage a Personal Injury Attorney. A personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process. This includes negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for your rights to ensure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Finally, when you do contact your insurance company, it’s important to be cautious about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or providing unnecessary details. Instead, stick to the basic facts of the accident and refer any questions to your attorney.
Learn More: Should I Call My Insurance Company After an Atlanta Accident?
My Insurance Company is Responding Slowly After an Atlanta Car Crash. Is This Normal?
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to take their time responding to claims.
If your insurer is excessively slow, however, it could be a sign that they are trying to delay the process or gather additional information to weaken your claim.
If you’re experiencing delays, it’s important to stay proactive and approach the claims process strategically. Here are some tips:
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communication with your insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and letters.
- Follow Up Regularly: The claims process can be lengthy but don’t hesitate to follow up with your insurance adjuster to inquire about your claim’s status.
- Consult with an Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and take action if your insurer is not cooperating.
Will I Get Fair Compensation From Insurance After an Atlanta Accident?
One of the most common questions we hear from clients is whether they can expect fair compensation from their insurance company.
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies have a vested interest in paying out as little as possible, and they may employ various tactics to minimize your claim.
Here are some common tactics insurance companies use to reduce payouts:
- Denying Liability: An insurer may claim that you were at fault for the accident, even if the evidence suggests otherwise.
- Lowball Offers: Insurance companies may offer a settlement that is significantly lower than the actual value of your claim.
- Delays: Representatives may slow the claims process by ignoring or failing to respond to communications in the hopes that you will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement.
- Bad Faith Practices: Insurance companies may engage in bad faith practices, such as refusing to pay a legitimate claim or failing to investigate your claim properly in some cases.
These practices are fairly typical, which is why it’s essential to have a skilled personal injury attorney on your side to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
“While some insurance companies may act in good faith or promise fair treatment, their tactics often suggest otherwise. These companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests, and they use complicated procedures to intimidate, confuse, and mislead accident victims. Our attorneys are skilled at identifying and countering these tactics, which helps us secure fair treatment and full compensation while our clients focus on recovery.”
— Campbell Williamson, Co-Founder & Partner, Schneider Williamson
Learn More: My Insurance Company is Responding Slowly After an Atlanta Accident. Is That Normal?
What to Do If Insurance Refuses to Pay After a Car Accident
If your insurance company refuses to pay your claim, you may need to take legal action. A personal injury attorney can help you file a lawsuit against your insurance company to recover the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
In contrast with your insurance company, which is not incentivized to protect your rights or restore your well-being, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney as your representative is the most effective way to get the compensation you’re entitled to.
An attorney can pursue a fair and complete settlement from your insurance company by:
- Investigating the Accident: Gather evidence to support your claim, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Use their expertise to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, file a lawsuit to pursue your claim in court.
- Representing You in Court: Advocate for your rights in court and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Further, when you hire an attorney, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while knowing that your legal rights are protected.
“When you’re injured and dealing with the aftermath of an accident, the last thing you need is the added stress of dealing with an uncooperative insurance company. At Schneider Williamson, we work diligently to protect your rights and identify all potential sources of compensation so you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.”
— Evelyn Graham, Attorney, Schneider Williamson
Learn More: What to Do If Insurance Tries to Shortchange You After a Car Accident
Why You Should Trust Schneider Williamson After an Atlanta Accident
The Schneider Williamson team’s understanding of liability and legal complexities empowers us to protect victims from poor treatment and insufficient compensation from their insurance companies.
Our decades of combined experience in accident investigation, insurance company negotiation, and litigation are a proven formula for securing fair settlements.
