If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident in Indiana, you should know that insurance companies are not your friends. They are only interested in their bottom lines, and they will do whatever they can to avoid paying out on a claim. It’s important to know how to deal with them to avoid being taken advantage of.
Report the accident to the insurance company
When you get into an accident, the first thing you should do is report the accident to your insurance company even if you believe that you are not responsible. This will start the claims process and ensure that you are covered.
Gather as much evidence as you can
After motor vehicle accidents, it’s important to try to gather as much evidence as you can. Take pictures of the damage and injuries if they are visible. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information. Write down anything that you remember about the incident right after it happens because your memory will fade over time. Write down how much time you’ve had to take off work due to your injuries or what kind of limitations they’ve placed on your ability to perform certain tasks at home or at work, and get a doctor’s note detailing these limitations as well.
Make sure you understand what you’re signing
Don’t sign anything from the insurance company until you’ve had a chance to review it with an attorney. Many times, the insurance company will try to get you to sign a release or settlement agreement that absolves them of any responsibility. Don’t do it.
If you’re not sure what something means, don’t sign it. Get a professional to look at it and explain it to you in simpler terms. The insurance company will have plenty of attorneys on their side, so you may want counsel too.
If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, make sure you know your rights and how to deal with the insurance company. Insurers will often do whatever they can to avoid compensating you fully for the accident.