How to Deal with Insurance Companies After a Vacation Injury
Up to 20% of travelers experience an injury while on vacation, turning what should be a relaxing trip into a stressful ordeal. When you file a claim, insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, and they use a range of tactics to accomplish this. Knowing how to protect yourself when dealing with insurers can make the difference between a fair recovery and a settlement that leaves you struggling to pay your bills. At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville personal injury attorneys are here to help you navigate this process.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
One of the first things an insurance adjuster may request after learning of your injury is a recorded statement. This request often comes quickly, before you have had time to fully understand the extent of your injuries or consult with an attorney. You are not legally required to provide one to the other party’s insurer, and you should decline. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can be used to minimize your injuries, suggest you were at fault, or lock you into an account of events that may later be taken out of context.
Do Not Sign a Blanket Medical Authorization
Insurers frequently ask injury victims to sign a broad medical authorization allowing access to their entire medical history. This goes far beyond what is necessary to evaluate your current claim. With unrestricted access to your records, the insurance company will search for pre-existing conditions or prior injuries to argue that your current symptoms were not caused by the accident. You should only authorize the release of records directly related to the injuries at issue, and ideally only after consulting with an attorney.
Never Accept a Settlement Offer Without Legal Guidance
Insurance companies often extend settlement offers quickly, particularly when a tourist is eager to return home and put the experience behind them. These early offers are almost always far below what your claim is worth. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you permanently waive your right to seek additional compensation, even if you later discover that your injuries are more serious than initially understood. Never sign anything without having an attorney review it.
Be Careful What You Say and Where You Say It
Anything you say to an insurance adjuster, whether in a phone call, email, or even a casual conversation, can be used to undermine your claim. The same applies to social media. A photo or post that suggests you are active and feeling well can be presented as evidence that your injuries are not as serious as claimed. Limit your communications with the insurer and avoid posting anything about your physical condition or activities until your claim is resolved.
Let Our Nashville Attorney Handle the Insurers
The most effective way to protect your claim is to have an experienced personal injury attorney deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Tennessee Code §56-8-105 requires that insurers provide claims forms within 15 calendar days of being requested, and failing to conduct a prompt investigation qualifies as an unfair claims practice.
Our attorneys know these rules and will hold insurers accountable to them. We handle all communications, negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, and are fully prepared to take your case to court if the insurer refuses to offer what you deserve.
Reach Out to Our Nashville Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a family member has been injured on vacation, our Nashville personal injury attorneys are ready to help. For 50 years, the legal team at Raybin & Weissman has assisted thousands of personal injury victims in securing maximum compensation. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office online or by calling (615) 256-6666 today.