After being involved in a car accident, many New York residents know they need to file a claim with the insurance company. But how the claims process works and how impactful the insurance company can be often goes unnoticed until it's too late.

We hope to better prepare accident victims to deal with insurers after an accident. Below is additional information to help ensure that you protect your injury settlement during negotiations. For individualized help, reach out to a New York car accident lawyer.   

Communication with the Insurance Adjuster

New York is a no-fault state regarding auto insurance and car accidents. If you are involved in a car accident, you'll file a claim with your own auto insurer. That is what your  personal injury protection coverage is for as part of your car insurance policy. But don't be fooled. Just because you're dealing with your own auto insurer doesn't mean you're not at risk for being taken advantage of. 

When communicating with the insurance company about your car accident claim, it is important that you have your lawyer present or discuss the case on your behalf. It's very likely the insurance adjuster will ask for a statement that describes how the accident occurred from your perspective. 

But insurers have been known to manipulate these statements and twist them to their advantage to make the  victim appear responsible for the accident. In doing so, the insurer may be able to avoid compensating you fairly. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can avoid having your words used against you during one of the most difficult times in your life. 

Protecting Your Car Accident Settlement

In addition to manipulating the statements of well-intended claimants, insurance companies have other tactics that they've been known to use to reduce injury victims' compensation. One of the most common is the lowball offer. 

If you get a quick offer from the insurance company, make sure to review it with your lawyer before accepting. This is because insurers will often make offers far less than what the value of your claim is actually worth. But claimants need money, and when they receive an offer, they accept without knowing they could have been awarded a great deal more. 

If you hope to protect your injury settlement, having a dedicated legal advocate by your side could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Contact a Reputable Lawyer

If you have been injured in a serious car accident and aren't sure where to turn for help, reach out to an experienced lawyer at the Law Offices of Dennis Smith, PC. Schedule your free, no-obligation claim evaluation when you fill out the quick contact form included at the bottom of this page or call our office at (212) 680-4280 so we can get started on your case.