A Tennessee car crash has the potential to interfere with many parts of your life. You may have financial as well as medical concerns, and you may try to secure a settlement to help cover the medical and other expenses you may face in the aftermath. Many people have misconceptions about car crash settlements and how they work. Developing a better understanding of the process may increase your chances of securing a favorable settlement.
The following are some of today’s most common myths and misconceptions about car insurance settlements.
Insurance companies advocate for your interests
An insurance company makes money by collecting premiums, rather than paying out claims. It is in the insurance company’s interest to pay you as little as possible for a claim. As a result, you may want to think twice before accepting an insurer’s first settlement offer. You may, too, want to consult with your own legal representation before agreeing to accept an insurer’s offer.
It does not matter when you file your claim
Another falsehood many people believe is that you may file a personal injury claim anytime after a car crash. However, this is not the case. Every state has its own statute of limitations dictating how long you have to file a claim. In Tennessee, you have one year to do so from the day you suffered your injury.
The actions you do and do not take in the aftermath of a car wreck may impact your ability to secure a settlement. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of how things work in Tennessee before agreeing to settle for a particular amount.