If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident in Scranton, contact The Slocum Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Our accident lawyers can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Have you been involved in a car accident in Scranton, PA? If so, you know how stressful the aftermath can be. Dealing with insurance companies can be a complex and frustrating process, especially if you’re dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of recovering from an accident.

At The Slocum Firm, we understand the difficulties you’re facing. Our experienced Scranton auto accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims like you navigate the insurance claims process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Whether you’re dealing with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance, we’re here to provide the legal representation you need. We’ll handle all the paperwork, negotiate with the insurance companies, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact The Slocum Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you get the justice you deserve.

Role of Insurance Companies in a Car Accident Claim

After a motor vehicle accident, the first step is to file an insurance claim with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. 

This involves providing details about the accident, including the police report, medical records, and witness statements. It’s essential to gather all relevant information to support your claim.

The insurance company will investigate the accident to determine liability and assess the extent of the damages. This includes:

• Reviewing the police report and witness statements
• Evaluating medical bills and medical treatment records
• Inspecting the vehicles involved for property damage
• Considering any lost income due to the accident

The insurance company aims to provide a fair settlement to cover the expenses related to the accident. However, their primary goal is to minimize their payout, which is why having a Scranton car accident lawyer can be beneficial.

Common Tactics Used by Scranton Insurance Adjusters to Minimize Payouts

When involved in a car accident, insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize the compensation paid to car accident victims. Understanding these tactics is crucial, especially when dealing with serious injuries or significant medical expenses. 

Here’s how insurance adjusters in Scranton may try to reduce your payout:

Delaying the Insurance Claim Process

One common tactic used by the driver’s insurance company is to delay the insurance claim process. By doing so, they hope you will become frustrated and settle for a lower amount. 

This can be incredibly challenging for those with ongoing medical care and lost wages. If you’re facing such delays, it’s wise to consult with a car accident attorney in Scranton who can help expedite the process.

Questioning the Severity of Your Injuries

Another tactic is questioning the severity of your physical injuries. An adjuster may claim that your medical records don’t support the extent of your injuries, particularly in cases of neck injuries or head injuries. 

This is often done in minor auto accident cases, where the insurance provider might argue that the injuries are not severe enough to warrant a large payout. In such situations, having thorough medical documentation and a strong police report is essential. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure your injuries are properly documented and presented.

Offering a Quick but Low Settlement

Insurance adjusters may offer a quick settlement shortly after the accident occurred. While this might seem convenient, these offers are often much lower than you’re entitled to. 

This tactic preys on car accident victims who need immediate funds to cover medical bills or property damage. Before accepting any offer, seeking a free consultation with a car accident lawyer is crucial to understand the actual value of your claim.

Blaming the Injured Party

Sometimes, the other driver’s insurance company may try to shift the blame onto you, the injured party. 

They might argue that you were partially responsible for the motor vehicle accident, reducing their liability. Pennsylvania’s no-fault system can complicate this further, but an experienced attorney can help you navigate these legal aspects and protect your rights.

Disputing Medical Treatment Necessity

In severe auto accidents, insurance companies might dispute the necessity of specific medical treatments. For example, they could argue that you don’t need the recommended ongoing medical care or that the costs are excessive. 

This is particularly common in cases involving traumatic brain injuries or catastrophic injuries. An experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the medical care you need without compromising your legal recourse for maximum compensation.

Undervaluing Lost Income and Future Expenses

Lastly, insurance adjusters may undervalue your lost income and future expenses. This can be detrimental, especially in cases of serious injury where you may not be able to work for an extended period. 

The costs of ongoing medical care and lost wages can add up, and it’s essential to ensure that these are fully accounted for in your settlement. A car accident attorney can help you seek compensation that reflects the full extent of your financial compensation needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Insurance Claims Process

Navigating the insurance claims process after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and other complexities. Whether you’re filing a claim with your own or the other driver’s insurance company, avoiding common mistakes is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Failing to Gather Sufficient Evidence

After a motor vehicle accident, gathering evidence is essential. This includes photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Additionally, obtaining witness statements, police reports, and medical records can significantly strengthen your insurance claim. 

Failing to gather this evidence can weaken your case, making it harder to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Delaying Medical Treatment

If you’ve been in a severe car accident, it’s vital to seek medical treatment immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Delaying medical care can worsen your physical injuries and hurt your chances of obtaining compensation. 

Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not related to the car crash if there’s a gap in treatment. Consistent medical records showing ongoing medical care are essential for personal injury claims.

Not Notifying Your Insurance Company Promptly

One of the biggest mistakes of car accident victims is failing to promptly notify their insurance company. Even if the accident occurred due to a negligent driver, informing your insurance provider immediately is crucial. 

This helps to ensure that your claim is processed without unnecessary delays. Many insurance policies require prompt notification, which could result in a denial of coverage.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly, especially when dealing with serious injuries or significant property damage. However, the first settlement offer is usually lower than you may be entitled to. 

Before accepting any offer, it’s wise to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and the actual value of your claim. A car accident lawyer can negotiate to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Handling the Claim Without Legal Representation

Navigating the legal aspects of a car accident claim can be complex. Many people make the mistake of handling their claims without legal representation, which can result in accepting a settlement that doesn’t cover all expenses related to the accident. 

A car accident attorney, especially one with experience in personal injury cases, can guide you through the negotiation process, helping you pursue fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.

Not Understanding Your Insurance Policy

Your insurance policy can be confusing, but understanding the coverage is crucial when filing a claim. 

For example, underinsured motorist coverage can protect you if the other driver’s insurance company doesn’t cover all your expenses. Not knowing what your policy covers can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs.

Ignoring Long-Term Medical Expenses

Auto accidents can result in injuries that require ongoing medical care, such as traumatic brain injuries or neck injuries. When negotiating a settlement, it’s essential not to overlook these long-term costs. 

Ensure that your claim accounts for all future medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any ongoing expenses related to your injuries.

How to Negotiate a Settlement with Insurance

Negotiating a settlement with an insurance company after a motor vehicle accident can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve sustained severe injuries. 

However, understanding the process and having the right approach can help you pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the negotiation process effectively.

Gather Evidence and Documentation

Before negotiating, gather all necessary evidence related to the car accident. This includes:

• Police reports: Obtain a copy of the police report to have an official account of the accident. This can be crucial if the other driver’s insurance company disputes your claim.
• Medical records: Document your medical treatment, ongoing medical care, and any serious injuries sustained. Keep detailed records of your medical bills and other expenses related to your recovery.
• Witness statements: If possible, collect statements from witnesses who saw the accident occur. Their accounts can support your version of events.
• Photos and videos: Take pictures of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and your physical injuries to help illustrate the extent of the damage.

Notify Your Insurance Company

As soon as the accident occurs, notify your insurance company, even if the accident was minor. This is important to preserve your rights under your insurance policy, particularly if you need to rely on underinsured motorist coverage.

Evaluate the Value of Your Claim

Before entering into negotiations, assess the total value of your car accident claim. Consider the following:

• Medical expenses: Include both immediate medical bills and any ongoing medical care you might need.
• Lost wages: Calculate the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work after the accident.
• Property damage: Estimate the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering: This can be more subjective, but it’s an essential component of your claim, especially if you’ve experienced a severe injury or ongoing pain.

Start the Negotiation Process

Contact the other driver’s insurance company when you can begin negotiations. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be clear and concise: Present your claim with all the gathered evidence. Clearly state your demands for financial compensation.
• Stay calm and professional: The negotiation process can be frustrating, but it’s essential to remain calm and avoid getting emotional.
• Be prepared for a low initial offer: Insurance companies often start with a low offer. Don’t be discouraged; use this as a starting point to negotiate a fair settlement.

Consider Legal Representation

It may be wise to consult a car accident lawyer if you struggle to reach a fair settlement, especially after a severe car accident. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the insurance provider, ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

• Free consultation: Many personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
• Contingency fee basis: Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
• Legal recourse: If negotiations fail, your attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation.

Know When to Accept or Walk Away

After thorough negotiations, you may receive a settlement offer. Before accepting, consider whether it covers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the offer is insufficient, don’t hesitate to walk away and explore other legal aspects, including filing a personal injury claim.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be complex, but with careful preparation and, if necessary, the help of a skilled accident attorney, you can pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact a Scranton Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Scranton, PA, we understand how overwhelming it can be. At The Slocum Firm, we’re here to help you navigate through this challenging time. 

Our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and seeking fair compensation for your physical and emotional injuries. We handle all types of car accidents, whether they involve distracted driving, a negligent driver, or uninsured motorist claims. We work tirelessly to ensure you recover financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car crash, don’t navigate this alone. Contact The Slocum Firm at 570-209-7376 today for personalized, compassionate legal support. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.