Mar4Written by:Bob Cohen
3/4/2010 10:11 AM
Driving is a fact of modern life. So are auto accidents. Like most people, I consider myself to be a good driver, but even I’ve been in auto accidents!
If you get into a car crash, whom should you call first, your insurance company or an attorney who specializes in auto accidents?
Most people answer their insurance company. But there are some very smart reasons for calling an attorney first.
Some Benefits of Calling an Attorney First.
An expert auto accident attorney can help you recover all the expenses that are part of an auto accident including your medical bills, even if you don’t have medical insurance. You attorney can also help you get all costs associated with repairing your car and any lost wages.
When you hire a lawyer, you’re securing an advocate, someone who is on your side, unlike the claims adjuster working for the insurance company.
Your attorney can help make sure your legal rights are being protected, and can act as your representative in discussions/negotiations with your insurance company.
Save Time. Save Your Sanity.
If you’ve ever been in a collision, you know the effort involved in the claims process. There’s a lot of paperwork, including, in some cases, court documents. Your attorney can handle all of this for you, saving you time, energy and frustration.
Beware of the Low-ball Offer.
It’s true, your insurance company is supposed to help pay for your expenses after your crash if it wasn’t your fault. But remember, every dollar they pay you is a dollar they lose. So you have to ask yourself, whose interests are going to be their number one priority?
Be prepared for the insurance company to offer you a quick settlement that may not cover all your accident expenses or what you need to return your life to normal. Some consumer experts believe that some national insurance companies make it their policy to fight every claim, regardless of the dollar amount.
What You Tell Your Insurance Company May Be Used Against You.
Here’s another reason to call an attorney first: the recorded phone call. When you telephone your insurance company to report an auto accident, your conversation may be recorded. Be very careful about what you say. Rather than making the call yourself, let your attorney report the accident for you. He or she will stick to the facts of the incident and not compromise your claim.
A Form You Must Fill Out No Matter Whom You Call First.
California law requires traffic accidents on a California street/highway or private property to be reported to the DMV within 10 days if there was an injury, death or property damage in excess of $750. You can download an SR 1 Report of Traffic Accident form by simply
clicking here.
After an auto accident you need to call your insurance company, but to avoid the feeling of being out of control, consider calling an attorney as well.
Robert M. Cohen
Attorney at Law
Attorney Member, Walker & Walker Legal Network at 1-800-THE-LAW2