When it comes to insurance companies, they are in existence to make money for their shareholders. They aren’t non-profit organizations, concerned with the well-being of the human race. Accordingly, they will not share their money with You, the car accident victim. Do they usually know that you have a right to compensation? Absolutely. Will they ever admit it? Never.
After a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, insurance adjusters will immediate aim to reach out to you. The adjuster whose desk your claim landed on has an agenda; to find ways not to pay you at all, or to pay you as little as possible. It is easy to get carried away with the concern they will put forth in those initial conversations that you will have with them. However, it is all a numbers game to them.
If they can even hint at the injury is your fault, they have a case against paying you for your losses. So, be careful, be very careful of your word choice when speaking with them. They are trained to fish out all the faults in your case. They will call you to discuss your claim, sooner rather than later asking for a recorded statement. We advise our clients never to give a recorded statement prior to filing a lawsuit. I have never seen a recorded statement dramatically increase the value of a personal injury claim.
In some instances, cooperation is unavoidable, such as in Un- or Underinsured motorist cases against your personal automobile insurance policy. Contractually, you are required to cooperate with the investigation. Even then, it may not be necessary that you provide a recorded statement. Most adjusters will agree to send you a written questionnaire instead of subjecting you to a recorded statement. However, you must assert your rights properly.
The adjusters are counting on getting to you before you have a chance to talk to an attorney. Before you know your legal rights. That way, they are guaranteed you are limited in knowledge about your claim and the laws regarding personal injuries in Missouri. Whether or not you had a chance to talk to an attorney, you should be prepared to ask questions of the adjuster. Don’t be afraid to ask questions such as the policy limits of the wrongdoer. Chances are, however, once YOU start asking the questions, they will hang up on you. In their view, it is a one-way street. They are in control, they ask the questions, you provide the answers.
Therefore, the insurance company is NOT YOUR FRIEND. It is important to contact an experienced attorney immediately. It could mean thousands of dollars for your claim. It is money you deserve for injuries you suffered in a car accident.
If you need additional information or have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our lawyers at Bajric & Ramic Law Office at 314-352-6800. At Bajric & Ramic Law Office, our lawyers offer experienced legal representation to car accident victims and their families.
