por There’s no doubt about it; having to deal with a motor vehicle accident is one of the most frustrating things a person can go through in Texas. Not only are there legal issues that must be taken care of, but you also have to begin the communication and negotiation processes with your own car insurance company. Here is information about how to handle the offers provided to you by your car insurance company.
Properly research repair costs
One of the first things that will happen after an MVA is that your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to look at the car damages and provide you with an offer to cover the costs. It is important to note that they are there to save their companies money and are not often on the side of the customer. That is why it is critical that you properly research the repair costs prior to their offer. This will provide you with concrete proof of what it is actually going to cost to get your car back in working order.
Avoid falling for the “betterment” argument
In some cases, a claims adjuster will use the “betterment” argument against you. This usually happens when newer parts are added to an older vehicle. The insurance company may argue that these additional parts are increasing your car’s value and that you need to pay the difference. You can fight this claim by obtaining statements from professional mechanics, allowing you to worry less about your car being covered and more about ensuring that your medical treatments are taken care of.
Common mistakes to avoid
The fact is that most people are going to be dealing with their insurance companies for the first time ever. That means that they are prone to making some common mistakes during the process. The following includes a few of those mistakes that you must avoid in order to see a positive outcome:
- Do not wait until insurance company calls
- Never make detailed statements to an insurance company
- Do not prolong receiving medical treatment
As you can see from the information above, it can be quite complex to deal with an insurance company. That is why it is so important to consult with an attorney from the beginning. Doing so may place you in a better position to seeing a fair offer for your vehicle damages.
