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ChatCar insurance. Homeowner’s insurance. Renter’s Insurance. Health Insurance. These are just some examples of insurance policies we hold as participating members of society. We typically expect others to maintain these policies, too. So how exactly do insurance and personal injury claims go together?
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we have no problem fighting for our clients’ rights. Insurance companies are the gatekeepers to your compensation after an injury. Don’t handle your personal injury claim alone – call us to discuss how we can help you!
After a car accident or another personal injury (dog bite, slip and fall, etc.), an insurance company will evaluate your case to determine if and to what extent it will financially cover your injuries. Seems straightforward, right? Well, insurance companies are profit-driven companies. This means that the less money they pay for your injuries, the more money in their pockets… which is their overarching goal.
Today’s blog discusses how insurance companies play a role in your personal injury accident. If you have any questions about your or a loved one’s recent injury, call us to discuss the specifics of your case!
What Insurance Policies Apply After My Personal Injury Accident?
This answer depends on the type of accident, people/entities involved, and the specific language of relevant policies.
In a perfect world, after your RI car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance would cover all your injuries and property damage. However, sometimes at-fault drivers do not carry enough insurance. In fact, in RI and MA, where we practice personal injury law, 15.6% and 8.8% of drivers do not maintain auto insurance at all! This is an instance where aspects of your auto insurance policy may apply to your recovery.
In MA, a “no-fault” state, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and health insurance policies may play a role in your recovery as well.
The type of personal injury accident you’re involved in also matters. If you slip and fall at a grocery store, the property owner’s insurance may apply. If you trip at a friend’s house, their homeowner’s insurance may apply.
In our opinion, it is the victims’ job to focus on physical and mental recovery after any personal injury accident. That’s why it is important to collect as many details about your case as possible so that your attorney can review the relevant insurance policies on your behalf.
How Do Insurance Companies Investigate and Evaluate My Personal Injury Accident?
Insurance companies will investigate your personal injury claim thoroughly. When your attorney files a claim on your behalf, the insurance company will review the claim and supporting documents, such as police reports and medical records. The insurance company will also review related documentation, witness reports, and surveillance footage to ultimately determine things like how the accident happened/who is at fault, how severe your injuries are, and if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Insurance companies will investigate your case in seemingly unconventional ways. For example, they may request older medical records and/or other information that seems unrelated to your accident. This is why it is important to retain an attorney to help produce only what is required and answer your questions along the way!
Believe it or not, your social media presence plays a large part in the personal injury claim evaluation process. Insurance companies will review your Instagram, Facebook, X, etc. to evaluate how quickly/well you are healing and enjoying life.
Should I Respond to the Insurance Adjuster that Keeps Contacting Me After My Accident?
Generally, you should not discuss your accident with an insurance adjuster until you’ve retained a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will communicate on your behalf or better inform you of the investigation process.
Why? Well, this goes back to insurance companies being for-profit companies. While an insurance adjuster may appear sympathetic to your accident or injuries, they are ultimately looking for inconsistencies to devalue your case. This includes “your” insurance company as well!
Insurance companies often put up a fight. If you retain a skilled personal injury law firm, like Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we can also build your case negotiate its value, and work with insurance adjustors to settle your case for what it’s worth. Questions about insurance and personal injury claims? Call us at any time!
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help with cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!