Insurance companies are notorious for using any means necessary to avoid paying injury victims proper compensation. One way they do this is by calling injury victims immediately after an accident to get them to give a statement.
If you are ever in this situation, it’s important to understand that the insurance company is probably doing this with the intention to benefit itself. In fact, giving them a statement could hurt your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve and need to fully heal.
Your Statement Used Against You
Very soon after your accident, an insurance adjuster will probably try to contact you and request details of the accident and your version of events. They may ask you questions like:
- Were you distracted at the time of the crash?
- Did you check the intersection before moving forward?
- Did you have the right of way?
- Were you driving over the speed limit?
Most of the time, these statements are also recorded and everything on these calls can be used to prove possible negligence on your part.
Louisiana follows a pure comparative negligence insurance rule. This means that your total award amounts may be reduced by the percentage of fault you played in the accident. If your total award amount is $100,000 but the insurance company finds you 30% at fault, you would end up with only $70,000 in damages.
This is why it’s important to understand that what you say to the insurance company is extremely important. A personal injury attorney will be able to advise you what to say to the insurance company to ensure your rights are protected.
Get Aggressive Legal Representation
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, you need aggressive legal representation. Our New Orleans personal injury attorneys are well aware of the tactics that insurance adjusters carry up their sleeves. We will work as your legal advocates, guiding you through the claims process to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Contact The Chopin Law Firm at (504) 475-2429 to schedule your free case review.
