Gilbert Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Unexpected accidents and injuries can alter lives. During these difficult times, car accident injury lawyers are indispensable allies. They support those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This piece highlights the crucial role these lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and rebuilding their lives.

You vs. The Insurance Company: 6 Little Known "Secrets" to Getting a Fair Settlement

We all want to be treated fairly, whether it is by our employer or the insurance company. Here are six little-known secrets to help you get a fair settlement when dealing with insurance companies:

1. Know Your Facts and the Law

If you are handling a case on your own, it's essential to know the facts of your case and how Iowa laws apply to them. Without this knowledge, the insurance adjuster can easily push you around. Insurance adjusters are trained to use techniques to convince you to settle for less than fair value. One common tactic is to act as your friend, telling you that you don't need a lawyer and promising a fair settlement if you send them your medical bills. What they won't tell you is that it's perfectly legal for them to lie, cheat, and steal to settle your case for less than it's worth.

Another technique they use is to downplay your case, suggesting that you should settle because you won't get more than what they offer. They might claim, for instance, that they only pay for three months of treatment after a "soft-tissue" injury because they believe such injuries heal within that time. Remember, the adjuster is not there to help you make a decision; their job is to save the insurance company money.

2. You Do Not Have to Give a Recorded Statement

In most cases, you are not required to give the other side's insurance adjuster a recorded statement, especially if there is a police report from a car accident. Politely decline to give a recorded statement and refer the adjuster to the police report and your medical records. In some cases, such as when you are bringing a claim against your own insurance company for underinsured motorist (UIM) or uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you may be required by your policy to provide a recorded statement. If you're unsure, it's time to call a qualified Iowa personal injury attorney for advice. We offer a no-cost, no-risk injury evaluation, so feel free to contact us at (641) 792-3595.

3. Always Tell the Truth

Honesty is always the best policy. Insurance companies have extensive databases with information about any prior claims you've made. If the adjuster asks if you have ever made a personal injury claim and you say "no" when you have, this can hurt the value of your case.

4. Ask the Adjuster About Available Insurance Coverage

This question can catch the adjuster off guard if you're not represented by an attorney. While they might prefer to hide this information, it's crucial to know how much coverage is available. Under Iowa law, the state minimum for car accidents is only $20,000 per person for personal injuries. If you've sustained a serious permanent injury, you might need to consider your own underinsured motorist (UIM) policy for additional coverage. Remember, there are specific requirements, such as obtaining permission from your own insurance company before agreeing to a settlement and providing necessary documentation for their review.

5. Making Threats Will Not Help Your Case

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to minimize the payout for your case and maximize the insurance company's profits. Making threats like "I'm going to sue you" or "Let me talk to your boss" is unlikely to increase your settlement. Instead, it signals to the adjuster that they can provoke you, and anger is not beneficial for your case. Moreover, insurance companies have legal teams ready to defend against lawsuits, so threats don't intimidate them.

6. Do Your Research to Know How Much Your Case Is Worth

Negotiating with an insurance adjuster is difficult if you don't know the value of your case. Research similar cases in Iowa that have gone to trial and see how much the judge or jury awarded. Without this information, it's challenging to negotiate effectively.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Iowa

After a car accident, following these simple rules can help preserve your personal injury claim. If you have questions about how to react, seek the advice of an experienced Iowa car accident lawyer.

1. Ensure Medical Attention: Make sure everyone receives necessary medical attention.
2. Call the Police: Report the accident to the police.

Speaking to the Police

When speaking to the police, only provide necessary information about how the accident occurred. Do not offer additional details. Anything you say can be used as evidence against you, potentially affecting your compensation.

Before speaking to the police, consider contacting an Iowa car accident lawyer for advice on what to say.

Gather Evidence

Collect evidence to show the damage you've suffered. Take pictures of your damaged vehicle and any physical injuries. These can be admitted as evidence in a lawsuit.

Take detailed notes about the accident, including how it happened and the injuries you sustained. Document your injuries' impact on your daily life and track your medical recovery. For more advice on gathering evidence, consult an Iowa car accident lawyer.

Iowa Car Accident Attorney Talks Nerve Impingement Treatment Related to Accident

An Iowa car accident attorney can help manage the aftermath of a crash caused by a careless driver. For pain management, seek treatment from a doctor or chiropractor. One common injury is nerve impingement, or a pinched nerve, which can lead to debilitating pain and require filing a claim for damages.

What is Nerve Impingement?

Nerve impingement occurs when a nerve is compressed by hard tissue like bone or cartilage, often due to a bulging disc, bone spur, or misaligned joint in the spine. It causes pain at the compression site and can hinder the function and mobility of surrounding muscles and joints, leading to sensations like tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.

When Nerve Signals Get Cross-Wired

Although less apparent, nerve impingement is debilitating due to the constant pain it causes. The nervous system is like a superhighway, and a pinched nerve disrupts proper function, causing pain or numbness. If you experience nerve impingement after a car accident, contact an Iowa car accident attorney to help file a claim. 

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.