For most Tennessee residents, the most dangerous thing they do every day is getting behind the wheel of their car. It’s not that driving is inherently likely to cause harm; it’s simply that car accidents are everyday occurrences. Thankfully, most car crashes are minor and result only in property damage. However, no matter what type of accident and what extent the damages, there can be difficulties in fully recovering all that has been lost as a result of a car crash.
Procedure following a crash
Automotive experts report there are important procedures to follow after an accident to preserve the evidence of the incident and lay the groundwork for the injured victim to receive compensation. This involves things done at the scene of the accident as well as subsequently. The typical damages recoverable include vehicle repair bills, medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. There must be verifiable proof of each.
The role of the insurance company
If an insured driver assigns the claim regarding the accident to their insurance company, the company must pursue the matter on behalf of the driver. However, the insurance company and the insured do not necessarily have the same interests. The insured driver wants to recover fully for all damages, and the company wants to settle the matter for as little money as possible. Insurance is, after all, a for-profit business, and the bottom line of the company is measurably improved by making low-ball settlement offers or denying claims altogether.
Different insurance carriers have different methods to arrive at a settlement offer, and in many cases, pain and suffering are minimized or ignored. One way for a driver who has been in an auto accident to be certain they have been treated fairly is to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer, who can determine the fairness and adequacy of the insurance company’s offer.
