When a car accident leaves you injured and shaken in Kansas City, dealing with insurance companies becomes an unavoidable reality. While you focus on healing and recovery, insurance adjusters launch their investigation and determine whether you are eligible for compensation based on the terms of the policy. Specialized Kansas City personal injury lawyers share what to expect when insurance companies investigate car accidents.
Step #1: Review Evidence Like Police Reports and Medical Records
Insurance representations often begin by gathering official documentation. They analyze police reports for details about fault, review photographs from the accident scene, and scrutinize your medical records to assess injury severity. During this process, they may look for any inconsistencies or prior medical conditions that could be used to reduce your potential compensation or even deny your claim altogether.
Step #2: Interview the Involved Drivers and Witnesses at the Scene
The adjusters will contact all parties involved to obtain statements about the accident. They may ask detailed questions about speed, road conditions, and actions leading up to the collision. These conversations require extreme caution—seemingly innocent comments can be construed to undermine your claim. Insurance representatives may also interview witnesses to gather additional perspectives of the crash.
You are not required to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company after an accident. In fact, you should never allow these companies to pressure you into providing a statement. Instead, direct all communications to your attorney.
Step #3: Collect Additional Evidence If Necessary
When there is not enough evidence for the company to decide your claim, the representatives will collect additional information and conduct a deeper investigation. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, they might hire accident reconstruction experts, examine vehicle damage patterns, or review surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Some insurers even monitor social media accounts looking for posts that could contradict your claims or suggest activities inconsistent with your reported injuries.
Step #4: Negotiate with Claimants and Their Attorneys
After analyzing the evidence and speaking with the involved parties and their representatives, adjusters will begin settlement negotiations. They typically begin with a low offer, hoping that you will accept the quick payment based on financial pressure.
It is important to have an attorney on your side who can evaluate the damages that you suffered and determine whether the offered settlement is enough to pay for your losses. If it is insufficient, your attorney will aggressively negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation.
Step #5: Make the Final Decision and Settlement Offer
Finally, the insurance company will make the final decision on the case. In some cases, they may deny the claim altogether. In others, they will provide a final offer, which may or may not be enough to pay for your losses. If your claim is denied or the offer is insufficient, you can escalate your car accident claim to a personal injury lawsuit.
Do Not Face Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and investigators dedicated to protecting their bottom line. You can level the playing field by working with a Kansas City car accident attorney who understands their tactics and knows how to counter them effectively.
A lawyer will handle all insurance communications, properly document your claim, and fight for maximum compensation while you concentrate on recovery. Schedule a free legal consultation after your accident to learn more about your options and plan your next steps.