Practice Areas

Testimonials

Blog

News

Library

After a Fender Bender in New Orleans: Dealing with Insurance Adjuster

When you've been in an accident, regardless if it's a fender bender in New Orleans, or a more serious collision, you'll need to call and inform your insurance company. They'll ask a series of questions about the car accident scene and your involvement in the accident as they begin working on your auto claim settlement.

Being Cautious with Insurance Companies

It's important to be somewhat on guard when you're dealing with any insurance adjusters. They may try to convince you that your Louisiana accident was just a minor fender bender and that you don't need to consult an attorney.

This might be true if your accident was a minor fender bender without serious injuries because those cases often don't require legal counsel; however, when you do sustain serious injuries, it only makes sense to avoid resolving your auto claim settlement with the insurance company without first running your case by an attorney.

Recognizing Sly Insurance Tactics

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. While you may trust your insurance company, it's important to realize that they don't always have your best interests in mind.

One of the major tactics an insurance adjuster may use is to try to get lengthy recorded statements from you. They then use any comments you've made about the car accident scene, your injuries, or your actions to later show that you were partly at fault for the accident, thereby reducing the amount they have to pay you.

While you're required to call and inform them of the accident, you don't have to give them a recorded statement right away. Plus, they can get all the basic information they should need from police records. It's advisable to tell them you'll call them back at a later time, which can give you a good opportunity to consult with a lawyer first.

Another tactic adjusters use to try to persuade you to give them a recorded statement is to tell you that they won't be able to arrange a rental car for you until after you give your statement.

Don't let this scare you. The other insurance company might be responsible for your rental car bill if the other driver was at fault for the accident. You could just rent the car on your own and then seek compensation for it later on your claim.

The primary motive for insurance companies is profit, something you should keep in mind as you begin working on your claim. They are not your friends. As soon as you're able, you should discuss your accident with an attorney who can tell you the best way to proceed with your Louisiana auto claim settlement.

Get Legal Help Now - Contact a Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer

As the victim at a car accident scene in Louisiana, we know that you have a lot of questions about your health and your financial future. Personal injury attorneys Timothy J. Young, Robert J. Young Jr. and Jason C. MacFetters understand your concerns and anxieties. Before you hire an attorney, order this free injury guide to learn about your rights in Louisiana. The Young Firm is located in New Orleans and serves clients throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Shreveport and beyond. Contact us today at 504-680-4100 or 1-866-660-7220.

Still have lots of questions?  Auto accident cases can be more complicated than you think.  Don't make a small mistake that can cost you lots of money on your claim.  Call our Louisiana auto accident attorneys immediately to get fast answers.  Simply dial (866) 660-7220 now.

Free Consumer Guide

Get Help Now

FAQs

Videos