During liability and settlement negotiations, insurance companies may employ deceptive tactics to lower the settlement amounts offered to victims. The negotiation process between insurance adjusters and victims can become contentious as insurance companies often distort the accident details or the victim's injuries. Some common tactics they may use include:
- Quick Settlement Offers: The at-fault driver's insurance company might quickly offer a settlement to conclude the case. Note that this initial offer is often much lower than what's needed to cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. A texting while driving accident lawyer from Law.com LawyerPages can help you fight for a fair settlement.
- Recorded Phone Conversations: Do not allow an insurance company to record your phone conversation, as they can use snippets of the dialogue against you to offer a lower settlement. Also, be careful about answering seemingly harmless questions, like "How are you?", as they could misconstrue your response to imply that your injuries are less severe than claimed.
- Requests for Full Medical Records: Insurance companies might request complete medical records from victims. However, you're only required to provide medical records related to the accident, and only after all the injuries and medical issues have been fully treated.
Other FAQ For Drivers In Texting-While-Driving Accidents
Yes, it may be possible to file a lawsuit after a texting-while-driving accident. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another driver who was texting-while-driving, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The driver who was texting at the time of the accident may be at fault. However, fault in a car accident can be complex, and multiple parties may be at fault. It is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand the specific fault or liability in your case.
Yes, you may be able to file an insurance claim after a texting-while-driving accident. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another driver who was texting, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver's insurance company.
After a texting accident, it is important to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Call the police and report the accident.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and any damages or injuries.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Do not admit fault or apologize to the other driver.
- Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
The time you have to file a lawsuit after a texting accident is limited by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit on your right to file a lawsuit. The time limit varies by state, and it begins to run from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within the time limit set by the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to pursue legal action.
While it is not required to have a lawyer to file a lawsuit after a texting-while-driving accident, it is highly recommended. Personal injury cases can be complex, and an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather and present evidence, and negotiate with the other party or their insurance company. A lawyer can also provide you with legal guidance and representation to help you pursue fair compensation.
The cost of hiring a lawyer for a texting accident case will depend on the specific lawyer and the circumstances of your case. Many personal injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency basis, which means that you do not pay any upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or award that you receive as their fee. It is important to discuss the fee arrangement with your lawyer before hiring them to ensure that you are comfortable with the terms.