4 Things to Avoid in the Insurance Claim Process | Kisling, Nestico & Redick
Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC Hurt in a Car? Call KNR.
800-487-8669
Written by
 
KNR Legal
Date posted
 
September 12, 2020
Share
 

Your life is already incredibly difficult in the days and weeks after an injury-causing accident. You need medical attention and answers about how to pay for the things you need. You don’t need the runaround from an insurance company.

Unfortunately, many people do not understand how to go about the insurance claims process so they secure proper compensation. It’s understandable for anyone to be concerned that they’ll miss out on payments that are rightfully theirs. Even if another party is clearly at fault, you need to take action and make sure that your claim moves forward.

Kisling, Nestico & Redick have been working with Ohio injury victims and large insurance companies for over 15 years. We know how important it is to recover compensation and how to make the claims process go smoothly.

To discuss a possible insurance claim with an experienced Ohio injury lawyer, call KNR today at 1-800-HURT-NOW. We offer free, no-risks consults and we only get paid when you recover compensation.

Here are some things to avoid in the injury claims process:

1. Waiting To Call a Lawyer

Many injury victims fail to act quickly after getting hurt through no fault of their home. This may be due to optimism that the injury is not severe, or that the other party will make things right. But, injuries generally get worse without timely medical attention and insurance companies have an interest in paying out less.

Ohio’s statute of limitations also require claims for personal injury to be filed within two years. Your action for damages can be thrown out if you wait past this point. A skilled lawyer will want to properly investigate your accident to make sure that you get the care you need, recover the damages you deserve, and in a timely manner.

Waiting too long to call your lawyer can make it difficult to secure all that you need, even if there is a strong argument for the other person’s negligence.

2. Relying On The Insurance Company

Insurance providers are just like any other company trying to make a profit. This makes them very concerned about spending too much on settlements.

The insurance company may try to make your case go away quickly by offering a settlement amount. For this reason alone, it’s important to have a lawyer working with you as soon as possible.

An experienced injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you recover all you require: now and going forward.

Don’t do any of the following:

  • Sign anything without consulting with your lawyer – Have your lawyer review anything from the insurance company. This includes settlement offers or statements about what happened.
  • See an insurance company doctor – Speak with your lawyer about your ongoing medical care. An insurance company doctor may only be focused on a small part of your recovery, and not all of your needs going forward.

3. Failing To Keep Documentation

There’s a lot of information for you and your family to review after you are hurt in an accident. You have to worry about doctor’s visits, your income, and how to pay your bills.

Having a lawyer early-on in the claims process ensures that necessary documentation will be gathered, accounted for, and put into evidence. However, there is a lot you can do to organize the documentation you’ll need.

After an accident, be sure to keep track of:

  • Photographs of injuries and property damage
  • A list of witnesses
  • The written timeline of events as you remember them
  • Any Repair bills
  • Your medical bills and paperwork
  • Copies of police reports
  • Letters and emails from all parties involved

4. Failing To Follow Up With Medical Treatment

Serious accidents can result in severe physical injuries. Whether you are rushed to the hospital or initially able to walk away, it’s best to seek medical help right away. Injuries that seem mild can get worse over time and result in disability and chronic pain.

In addition, failing to follow through with your doctor’s orders is a mistake that many injury victims make. They may be worried about the costs involved, but waiting can be much more costly in the long run. You can hurt your case for damages if you fail to see a doctor or continue with the treatment that they prescribe.

Insurance companies may use the fact that you neglected medical care to argue that your injuries really aren’t that bad. This may result in withholding a settlement offer. Be sure to speak with your lawyer about your medical needs and how treatment will proceed before you recover damages.

Kisling, Nestico & Redick Can Help You

Insurance is meant to help you and your family secure financial relief in a time of need. But, the claims process is complex, and insurance providers do not want to pay out any more than absolutely necessary.

Do not delay in contacting am experienced and dedicated Ohio personal injury lawyer if you have been hurt through the careless actions of someone else. With 11 offices across Ohio, KNR has represented thousands of victims, and we know how to help.

Contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick to discuss your claim for damages with one of our experienced injury lawyers. Call 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, no-risk consultation.