Pedestrian accidents can be frightening and overwhelming. The moments following such an event are often filled with confusion, worry, and the pressing need to get medical help. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s not just your physical health that needs attention. You may also find yourself facing insurance companies, trying to understand what to do next. Dealing with insurance companies after a pedestrian accident can be tricky, but knowing how to navigate the situation can make a big difference in ensuring that you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve. At, Christian & Christian Law, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Understanding the Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies play a significant role after an accident, but it’s important to remember that they are businesses. Their main goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. They are not there to look after your best interests. After a pedestrian accident, whether it involves a car, truck, or any other type of vehicle, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will typically be responsible for covering your damages. However, the way in which you approach dealing with them can greatly impact the outcome of your claim.
You may also be working with your own insurance company, especially if you have certain types of coverage like personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. No matter which insurance company you are dealing with, it’s important to understand the strategies they may use to limit your compensation and how you can protect yourself throughout the process.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
After a pedestrian accident, the first thing you should do is get medical help, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Sometimes injuries aren’t immediately obvious, and delaying medical treatment can cause them to get worse. In addition to making sure you are physically okay, getting medical care right away also helps document your injuries, which is important for any insurance claims you may file. Insurance companies will look at your medical records to determine the severity of your injuries. If you wait too long to see a doctor, they might try to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim or that they weren’t caused by the accident at all.
Make sure to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations and attend any follow-up appointments. This will not only help you recover more fully but will also show that you are taking your injuries seriously.
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Keep Records and Documentation
One of the most important things you can do after a pedestrian accident is to keep good records. Insurance companies will ask for a lot of information, and having everything organized can make the process smoother. Keep track of all medical bills, doctor’s appointments, and any other expenses related to your injury. This includes prescription costs, transportation to medical appointments, and any changes in your ability to work. You should also keep records of your pain and suffering, such as a journal where you note how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
If you have photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or any damage to your belongings, these can also be helpful when negotiating with the insurance company. Witness statements and a copy of the police report are other important pieces of evidence that can support your claim. The more information you have, the stronger your position will be when it comes time to negotiate a settlement.
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Adjusters
Shortly after the accident, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster. They may seem friendly and concerned about your well-being, but it’s important to remember that their job is to save the insurance company money. Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used to minimize your claim, so it’s important to be careful. You are not obligated to give a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking to a lawyer. In fact, it’s often better to have your attorney handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
When speaking with the adjuster, stick to the facts. Do not offer opinions about the accident or your injuries, and do not accept blame. Even a simple statement like “I’m feeling better” could be used against you to argue that your injuries are not as severe as they seem.
Everyone there was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. My car was totaled, and I was a little intimidated talking with a couple of other lawyers in Greenville. But with Christian and Christian, not only did they answer my questions, but they did so in a way that made what could have been a hectic situation, easy. Overall, an excellent experience with high quality lawyers who truly go above and beyond and really try to get you the results or answers you need. I met Josh like 4 years ago when my Son was injured at Daycare. He was very concerned about the well being of my Child and Me. Very Understanding Professional and Just a great Staff. If You need a Lawyer that’s all about YOU this is the Place. I just closed a Case on 6/23/2021 from a injury on a Property. They handled everything because no one else would help Me. I’m forever grateful for Your hard Work and Time. Once again Thank You Josh and Sally. My husband was referred to this law firm from another lawyer after his mother passed away while residing in a nursing home. Matt took on his case and we are pleased with how everything turned out. It took a long, long time to finally settle, but it was worth the wait. The staff here is friendly and I’d be happy to recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance. I was referred to Harold by a family friend, and I couldn’t be happier. He took the time to listen to my case, answered all my questions and truly treated me like a friend not a client. His knowledge of medical malpractice is priceless he actually successfully won, one of the first medical malpractice cases in Greenville County.
—Rob Young
—Rezillai Henderson
— Jen
— Lindsey
Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to offer a quick settlement after a pedestrian accident. They may hope that you will accept it before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact they will have on your life. While it may be tempting to take the first offer and move on, it’s important to remember that initial settlements are often much lower than what you are actually entitled to. Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back and ask for more money, even if your medical bills continue to pile up or your injuries turn out to be more serious than you first thought.
Before accepting any offer from an insurance company, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer who can help you determine whether the amount is fair. They can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Know the Value of Your Claim
To successfully negotiate with an insurance company, it’s important to know what your claim is worth. This includes not only the immediate costs like medical bills and lost wages but also future expenses like ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and any permanent changes to your ability to work or enjoy life. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also factors that should be considered when calculating the value of your claim.
Insurance companies may try to downplay the seriousness of your injuries or argue that certain treatments aren’t necessary, so it’s important to have a strong understanding of what your case is worth before entering into negotiations. Working with a lawyer can help ensure that you are asking for a fair amount and not leaving money on the table.
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Stay Patient and Persistent
Insurance companies often try to drag out the claims process in the hopes that you will become frustrated and accept a lower offer just to get it over with. This can be particularly difficult if you are struggling to pay medical bills or are unable to work because of your injuries. However, it’s important to stay patient and persistent. Rushing the process or settling for less than you deserve can leave you with financial difficulties in the future. If the insurance company is not offering a fair settlement, your lawyer can help you explore other options, including taking your case to court.
Remember that the claims process can take time, especially if the insurance company is being difficult. But by staying persistent and relying on the guidance of an experienced attorney, you can improve your chances of getting the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
Seek Legal Help Early On
Navigating the complexities of insurance claims after a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with physical and emotional recovery at the same time. Seeking legal help early on can make the process much smoother and give you the support you need to focus on your recovery. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and make sure that you are not taken advantage of during the settlement process.
Verdicts & Settlements
Many people make the mistake of waiting too long to contact a lawyer, thinking that they can handle the insurance company on their own. However, having a lawyer from the beginning can help you avoid common mistakes, ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered, and protect you from being pressured into accepting an unfair settlement. Your lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company, negotiate on your behalf, and if necessary, take your case to court to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident and you’re facing the challenge of dealing with insurance companies, don’t go through it alone. The legal team at Christian & Christian Law is here to help you navigate the process, protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling pedestrian accident claims, we understand the strategies insurance companies use and how to fight for the best outcome for our clients. Reach out to Christian & Christian Law today to schedule a consultation and let us help you through this difficult time.