Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. However, insurance companies work hard to deny pedestrian accident claims.
Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Baton Rouge knows how to investigate your accident, build your strongest claim, and hold insurance companies responsible for paying the compensation you are owed.
If you have been injured in a Baton Rouge pedestrian accident caused by a negligent party, we want to help you. Call Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys at (225) 999-1111 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use in Baton Rouge Pedestrian Accident Claims
Some insurance companies use unfair tactics to pressure you into accepting a much lower settlement offer than your claim is worth. Some of the strategies insurance adjusters use include:
- Calling you immediately after your accident and requesting a recorded statement. They may tell you they just need to hear your version of what happened. However, they are hoping to get you to say something that can be used against you to deny or devalue your claim.
- Offering you a quick low-ball settlement, hoping you will accept it before you have consulted an attorney and discovered the actual value of your claim.
- Delaying your claims process by not returning your calls, asking you to submit information you already provided, and requesting unnecessary documentation. Their goal is to get you to just accept their low offer out of frustration and your need to recover some of your expenses.
- Attempting to shift the blame to you. They understand that every bit of fault they can shift to you results in them paying you less to settle your claim. And if they can move 51% of the fault to you, Louisiana’s modified comparative fault law will bar you from recovering any compensation.
- Arguing that your medical care is unnecessary or unrelated. Adjusters may take the position that your medical expenses are not covered because treatment was unnecessary or was for an injury unrelated to the accident.
You do not need to be a victim of these tactics. Our pedestrian accident attorneys will stand up to the insurance company, protect your rights, and demand the fair compensation you are entitled to recover.
How Baton Rouge Pedestrian Accident Claims Are Evaluated by Insurers
When a pedestrian accident in Baton Rouge is reported to an insurer, the company will assign your claim to an adjuster. The adjuster will begin evaluating your claim by reviewing the accident report to see whether the responding officer noted any traffic violations, issued any citations, or determined fault for the accident.
Many times, the adjuster will contact you to obtain a statement about the accident. You should decline to provide a recorded statement at that time and consult an experienced Baton Rouge pedestrian accident lawyer to help you. The adjuster will also contact the insured and any other witnesses to the accident. Their goal is to find reasons to deny and devalue your claim.
Adjusters will request documentation of your injuries. However, you should not sign a broad medical release that the insurance company can use to access your entire medical history. They often try to find a pre-existing condition that they can argue is the cause of your current injury.
Once you have obtained an attorney, allow them to handle all communication with the insurance company. Your Baton Rouge pedestrian accident lawyer can prepare a release that grants them access only to the necessary records.
When evaluating your claim, adjusters will likely review evidence such as photographs and video evidence of the accident scene and your injuries. However, they may also review your social media accounts and the accounts of your family and friends, hoping to find photographs or statements that can be used as evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
You should refrain from posting anything on social media and request that your family and friends refrain from posting anything about you while your claim is pending.
When to Contact a Baton Rouge Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Your Claim
Insurance companies are in business to make a profit. They will do everything they can to settle your claim for as little as possible.
For this reason, it is wise to immediately contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Baton Rouge to protect your rights and help you recover the full value of your claim.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, our team of pedestrian accident attorneys has the experience, knowledge, and resources to hold the insurance company responsible so you can secure maximum compensation for your damages.
Call our Baton Rouge pedestrian accident lawyers at (225) 999-1111 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim today.