Talking to Insurance Companies After a San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Accident

A catastrophic injury is a personal injury with severe, permanent consequences. They may impact the spinal cord or brain, or they may include loss of limbs. These are life-altering incidents. In the wake of a catastrophic injury, communicating with insurance companies is an important component of getting the money you deserve. Of course, it is also important to be careful with all communications so you can continue to protect your rights.

Talking to insurance companies after a San Antonio catastrophic injury accident may feel treacherous. It is important to understand how to deal with insurance companies moving forward. Our catastrophic injury attorneys can help you navigate this process.

The Role of Insurance Companies After a Catastrophic Injury

The primary role of insurance companies is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. Even if an injured person in San Antonio is dealing with their own insurance company, their interests may not align with the interests of their insurance company. If an injured person is dealing with the at-fault party’s insurer, this process can be even more difficult. Lawyers are used to handling these types of cases.

Unfortunately, catastrophic injury cases are often treated differently than other types of injuries. This is because of the high financial stakes, which cover medical costs, future care costs, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. These types of injuries also come with longer claim investigation times and more aggressive pushback from insurance adjusters. As a result, insurance companies may get their own attorneys involved early in the process.

The Risks of Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Guidance

Speaking with an insurance company after a catastrophic injury is something a person in San Antonio should do only after they have obtained legal counsel. In fact, speaking with an insurance company without legal guidance can be risky. Statements made to an insurance company may be recorded and used against them. Additionally, adjusters may twist or misinterpret medical updates or status reports.

Unfortunately, many injured people may unknowingly admit fault or downplay their injuries. Even if they do not mean to, this could also lead to accepting an early lowball offer. For instance, a spinal cord injury victim may not yet know the full extent of their long-term health issues. As a result, they could be pressured into a quick settlement.

What Injured People Should Say and Avoid Saying to Insurance Adjusters

If a person does speak with an insurance adjuster after a catastrophic injury, it is crucial that they stick only to basic facts, such as the date, time, and location of the incident. Injured people can confirm that they received medical care, but they should refer all additional questions to legal counsel.

Injury victims should avoid making statements about how they feel, how they are doing, or what happened before the incident that led to the injuries. Victims should not provide opinions on fault or legal liability, nor should they offer any guesses about long-term prognosis or work return dates. Again, these types of questions should be referred to a lawyer.

Our San Antonio Attorneys Can Help Communicate with Insurance Companies After a Catastrophic Injury

Our lawyers can investigate the accident and preserve evidence for your case. They work with medical experts to assess long-term damages and will communicate directly with the insurers involved in your case. If negotiations break down, they can also file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Remember to be cautious when talking to insurance companies after a San Antonio catastrophic injury accident. Do not give statements or accept an offer without guidance. Call our team of lawyers today to learn more.