Getting into an accident is stressful enough. Dealing with insurance companies afterward can feel like adding insult to injury. You might be worried about medical bills, lost wages, and getting your car fixed. And then, you have to deal with insurance adjusters who seem to speak a different language and don’t always have your best interests at heart.

At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we’ve been helping folks in Louisiana navigate these tricky situations for over 30 years. We promise to be with you every step of the way, making sure you understand your rights and fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Insurance Companies: They’re Not Always On Your Side

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses. Their main goal is to make money, and that often means paying out as little as possible on claims. They have strategies and tactics to minimize payouts, and they’re not always looking out for your best interests.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• They’re not your friend: Even if the adjuster seems friendly, they work for the insurance company, not for you.
• They may try to settle quickly. They might offer you a quick settlement, but it’s often far less than what your claim is really worth.
• They might use your words against you: Anything you say to an adjuster can be recorded and used to argue against your claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Insurance Companies

To protect yourself and your claim, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Admitting Fault: Never say you’re sorry or admit fault for the accident, even if you think you might be partially responsible. Liability (who is at fault) is a complex legal issue, and you may not fully understand all the factors involved.
2. Giving a Recorded Statement Too Soon: Insurance adjusters will often ask for a recorded statement soon after the accident. It’s best to decline politely until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. You may say something that hurts your case without realizing it.
3. Signing Anything Without Reading It: Never sign any documents or releases from the insurance company without carefully reading them and consulting with your attorney. You could be signing away your rights to further compensation.
4. Underestimating Your Injuries: Don’t downplay your injuries to the adjuster. Even if you think you’ll recover quickly, some injuries can take time to manifest or have long-term effects.
5. Posting on Social Media: Be very careful about what you post on social media. Even seemingly harmless posts can be misinterpreted and used against you to argue that you’re not as injured as you claim.

What a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lafayette, LA, Can Do for You

A personal injury lawyer in Lafayette, LA, can be your biggest advocate when dealing with insurance companies. Here’s how we can help:

• Protect Your Rights: We’ll make sure you understand your rights under Louisiana law and that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
• Investigate the Accident: We’ll gather evidence to build a strong case, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
• Calculate Your Damages: We’ll accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiate a Fair Settlement: We’ll negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement that covers all your losses.  
• File a Lawsuit: If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit and represent you in court to fight for your rights.

The Importance of Documentation

Documenting everything related to your accident and injuries is crucial for your personal injury claim.

• Medical Records: Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and treatment plans. These documents provide evidence of your injuries and the cost of your medical care.
• Lost Wage Documentation: Keep records of your pay stubs, tax returns, and any other documentation that shows your lost income.
• Accident Scene Documentation: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident.
• Other Expenses: Keep track of any other expenses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident, such as transportation costs or over-the-counter medications.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often use various tactics to try to minimize payouts. Here are some common examples:

• Delaying the Claim: They may delay responding to your calls or requests for information, hoping you’ll give up.
• Downplaying Your Injuries: They might argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that they were caused by a pre-existing condition.
• Offering a Lowball Settlement: They may offer a quick, low settlement, hoping you’ll accept it without consulting a lawyer.
• Shifting Blame: They may try to blame you for the accident, even if you were not at fault.
• Requesting a Recorded Statement: They may ask you to provide a recorded statement, which they can later use against you.

Statistics: The Role of Lawyers in Personal Injury Cases

• Injury victims with legal representation receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher than those who handle their claims alone. (Source: Insurance Research Council) This shows the significant impact a lawyer can have on the outcome of your case.
• Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement when you have an attorney. They know that a lawyer is prepared to take the case to trial if necessary.
• Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, but having a lawyer strengthens your negotiating position.

Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers: Your Lafayette, LA Personal Injury Advocates

At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we have a deep understanding of Louisiana personal injury law and a proven track record of success in representing accident victims. We’re committed to:

• Fighting for your rights: We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Providing personalized attention: We’ll treat you with compassion and respect, and we’ll be available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
• Handling your case with expertise: We have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of personal injury law and deal with insurance companies effectively.

Don’t Settle for Less

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and fight for a fair settlement.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this difficult process alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way.