Talking to Insurance Companies After an Austin Bus Accident
The aftermath of a bus accident is chaotic and confusing. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, you may be recovering from severe injuries and facing mounting medical bills.
It is common for insurance companies to reach out to accident victims to discuss a settlement. Unfortunately, these early settlement offers often fail to address the full scope of damages. The information you share when talking to insurance companies after an Austin bus accident can affect your eligibility for a fair settlement and even be used to reduce your compensation further. An experienced bus crash lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and gather evidence to support a fair claim.
Understanding the Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance professionals have the job of paying out claims to people who have suffered injuries or other damages following an accident. However, it is crucial to remember that they work for the bus company. Although these professionals may be sympathetic and even helpful, their job is to save the insurance company as much money as possible. To achieve this, insurance companies ask claimants questions about the details of the Austin bus accident and use the information provided to offer a lower settlement. All too often, this approach leads to settlements that fail to reflect the full scope of injuries and other damages. For this reason, victims should avoid signing any documents before seeking legal advice.
How to Advocate for Your Rights When Talking to Insurance Companies
Navigating the insurance claims process following a bus accident can be tricky. The involvement of several injured individuals and the bus company’s status as a public transportation provider make the case a higher risk for the defendant and the insurance company. However, victims can take important steps to protect their right to fair compensation.
Getting Medical Attention
Injuries sustained in a bus accident may not be immediately apparent or may not seem severe. However, it is still crucial to get checked by a medical professional. A doctor will identify and treat any injuries, potentially preventing them from getting worse. This initial visit will also establish records of injuries sustained in the accident.
Gathering Evidence
Evidence is crucial for supporting an insurance claim. Insurance companies often try to reduce settlement offers by disputing the details of the accident or the severity of injuries. Evidence to support fair compensation can include the following:
- Photographs
- Witness statements
- Information about the bus driver and the bus company
- Contact information from involved individuals and witnesses at the scene
- Police report
- Medical records, bills, and receipts
- Records of time missed from work and lost wages
- Estimates or bills for property repair or replacement
Talking to an Attorney
Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are often much lower than what accident victims actually deserve. While individuals can talk and negotiate with insurance companies on their own behalf after a bus accident in Austin, they are often pressured into taking lower settlements before a full picture of the costs has been revealed.
A skilled attorney with experience handling bus accidents can fully inform injured individuals of their rights to compensation under Texas law. A lawyer also acts as an advocate for victims throughout the entire legal process. This includes gathering evidence, filing all necessary documents, and negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation that covers the full scope of physical and emotional damages from the accident. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, an attorney is prepared to take the case to court.
Get Assistance from an Austin Bus Accident Lawyer to Negotiate with Insurance Companies
In many cases, talking to insurance companies after an Austin bus accident without legal representation leads to a low settlement that fails to cover the full scope of damages. This leaves injured individuals paying out of pocket for medical costs and other damages. If you have been injured in a bus accident, the experienced lawyers at Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm can help you negotiate with insurance companies to get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
