Tips For Handling An Insurance Claim
Being rear ended during the early morning rush hour or straining your back while on the work site, accidents happen. Knowledge is one of the most important tools you can have when misfortune strikes. Most people would agree that the most difficult and confusing aspect of being injured or involved in an accident is managing the insurance claim. The adverse nature of an accident alone can be more than some can handle, therefore even a basic understanding of how the insurance system functions can prove to be significant in settling your claim.
The Friendly Insurance Claims Adjuster
As the representative of the insurance company, the claims adjuster is the person who makes the decisions that ultimately decide how much the insurance company gains or loses. Therefore, it should be no surprise that they are well trained to ensure the insurance companies receive the maximum benefits while providing you with the minimum. One of these methods is by conducting a “friendly” phone call to gather information about your claim. The adjuster may use this information to make suggestions they are not qualified to make, such as medical treatment decisions. A person who has been injured in an accident should only base their choice of medical treatment on the opinion of their doctor to ensure they receive the appropriate and warranted care.
Moreover, it should also be known that any statement or prior medical condition may be used by the adjuster to your disadvantage. As a part of their investigation, an adjuster will often phone you and maintain that you answer questions pertaining to your claim, such as the facts of the incident, the degree you were injured, and information about any past claims you might have made. It is not uncommon for the adjuster to fail to inform you that any answers you provide may be used in a manner that decreases your claims worth. Likewise, the discovery of previous injuries or pain may also be used to diminish, if not eliminate altogether, the value of your claim.
Three Important Issues With Your Claim
Further, there are three issues adjusters will examine when investigating any medical treatment you receive for your injury, and the presence of such can be used to reduce your claim’s overall worth. The issues that would prove most detrimental to your claim are failure to treat immediately, inconsistency of treatment history, and gaps in treatment. Understand that the insurance company will analyze every medical decision you make or don’t make in regard to your injury, thereby making manner of treatment a significant aspect of your claim.
Consider All Of Your Options
In addition, it is crucial to evaluate your claim fully and consider all your options. As with most things in life, the quick and easy way is not always the best way. Always consider how an accident could affect you in the long term, as well as the short term. Factors such as losing one’s job because of a settlement, one’s employer going out of business or being sold, and the duration/type of medical coverage for your injury are important issues to consider.
While the advice provided above is not intended to be rigorously followed as an inflexible standard, it nonetheless shows the significance and value of understanding the insurance claims system and being prepared. By taking measures to be confident and ready in the event of an accident it becomes more likely that you will receive the relief you deserve. So the next time an accident occurs will you be ready?
Posted By: Eston Whiteside