Top 6 Mistakes People Often Make with Insurance Claims

Filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with unexpected situations like accidents, damage, or loss. Many people make small mistakes during the process that can delay their claim or even lead to it being denied. The good news is that these mistakes are easy to avoid if you know what to look out for.

By staying informed and taking the right steps, you can ensure your claim is handled smoothly by accident attorneys and you get the coverage you deserve. In this article, we’ll go over six common mistakes people make when filing an insurance claim:

What is an insurance claim?

An insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company asking them to pay for a loss or damage covered by your policy. For example, if your car is damaged in an accident, you file a claim to get financial help for repairs or replacements.

Let’s explore common mistakes people often make with insurance claims:

1. Not calling the police. Many people simply don’t think to call the police. However, where there is no police, there is no formal investigation. The negligent party could deny fault after the fact and make it very difficult for you to prove your case. A formal investigation, however, will record who was at fault, take down all necessary information and interview all involved parties.

2. Not getting witness information. Victims tend to forget to get contact information for the witnesses at the scene of the accident. If there is a police presence and the witness is interviewed then this is not an issue; however, more often than not, witnesses only stop by long enough to make sure everyone is ok and then leave. Taking down the contact information would mean that there are others who can be contacted to collaborate on your claim and would ensure that the insurance adjuster cannot deny liability if applicable.

3. Giving statements without hiring a Los Angeles attorney. It is the insurance adjuster’s job to save the insurance company as much money as possible. This means that they will do whatever is necessary to not pay out your claim. Making an official statement to an adjuster without the guidance and protection of an attorney can lead you to say something that the adjuster may construe to mean that you were not really injured or that you were the liable party.

4. Signing releases. At times the injured parties may sign a release thinking it means one thing only to later realize that it is a general release that settles all claims. In such cases, a personal injury claim would no longer be viable. Do not sign anything before consulting with a lawyer.

5. Delaying getting medical treatment. There are many reasons someone may delay getting medical treatments. However, if you do not get treatment, an insurance adjuster may argue that you were not really injured at all to begin with or are much less severe than you claimed, and either deny you coverage or lessen the amount due. Do not delay medical treatment.

6. Delaying fixing the property damage. It is important to fix whatever property damage there is before you accept a check from the insurance company. At times, the check will be far less than what fixing the damage will really cost. Insurance adjusters hope that you will delay in fixing the damage so they can get away with giving you less money.

Conclusion:

Filing an insurance claim can be a stressful process, but avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration. From promptly seeking medical treatment to carefully reviewing documents before signing, taking the right steps ensures a smoother claims process and maximizes your chances of getting fair compensation.

At the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim, experts are committed to helping injured clients navigate the complexities of insurance claims. Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys work tirelessly to secure the best compensation awards possible. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s fight for the justice you deserve!