Insurance company adjusters will tell you many things while investigating your claim from a car accident that may lead you to believe you should accept less than the full and fair value of your claim.  We want to arm you with the truth and knowledge of your rights so insurance companies don't get the best of you.  Here are three common myths we've seen arise when car accident victims call our office after speaking with an adjuster for the insurance company.

MYTH #1:  If you don't accept the insurance company's offer, you may get nothing at all.

You have the right to recover full and fair compensation for your damages.  Period.  Declining an offer from the insurance company will not impact your right to recover in full.  If the insurance company is offering you an amount that seems too low or unfair, then you may have to fight them to get what you are entitled to.  But, it is usually a war worth waging, particularly if you have an experienced insurance attorney helping you.

MYTH #2:  Your injuries are not severe enough to warrant compensation.

In the early stages after a car accident, the most important thing you need to focus on is your recovery.  Injuries from car accidents, particularly soft tissue injuries, can sometimes take days or weeks to fully develop and truly reveal the day-to-day impact they will have on your life.  Do not let an insurance company push you to settle your claim early, when you are still recovering.  And, do not take their opinion for it that your injuries do not deserve compensation without seeking a free consultation with an insurance attorney first.  At Taylor, Warren, Weidner & Hancock, we always offer a free consultation to learn about your injuries and explain your rights. 

MYTH #3:  If you hire an insurance attorney, things will get contentious and your premiums will go up.

You have insurance for a reason: so you can submit a claim when you suffer damages the insurance company is responsible for paying.  An insurance company may not increase your premiums simply because you hire an attorney to assist you with the claim.   Never let an insurance company use fear to pressure you into not hiring an attorney and accepting far less than the full and fair value of your claim out.  It is likely you do not know the full amount you are entitled to, but the insurance company does, and they often go to great lengths to make sure you do not get it. Don't let them!  It does not cost you anything to bring in an experienced insurance attorney to advise you of your rights.  If you've received an offer from an insurance company that you are not sure is fair, please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation without any fee, cost, or obligation.