The period right after an accident causing an injury can be very stressful and overwhelming. Lost wages, mounting medical debt, and the pain of an injury often combine, leaving a person desperate for a resolution. Settling an injury claim quickly may seem like the easiest way to resolve problems caused by an accident, but being overly eager can leave an accident victim in an even worse predicament. Knowing the steps to properly handle an injury claim can help you avoid crucial mistakes and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Should you comply with all of the insurance claims adjuster’s requests?

The adjuster handling your claim often presents themselves as a friend or ally looking out for your best interests. During the initial investigation, the claims adjuster will make various requests, such as asking you to sign authorizations for the release of confidential medical and employment information, provide recorded statements, and other documentation related to your accident and injuries (e.g., videos, pictures, witness information, etc.). Although adjusters may advise that the requested information is always required to assess and settle your claims, this is not always true.

The claims adjuster will attempt to use the information you provide to minimize or dismiss your claim. In certain situations, you may need to provide some information and cooperate with the insurer’s investigation; however, this is not always required. Selectively and strategically providing information does not mean you will lose your claim. Instead, taking a strategic and methodical approach usually increases your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

What happens if you miss medical appointments?

A person with no medical insurance or limited sick time from work may decide to stop going to follow-up doctor appointments before fully recovering or the treating physicians have officially released them from treatment. Fear of lost wages and large medical bills can lead to a premature return to work, which can seriously impact your claim. The medical appointments you attend will illustrate the extent of your injuries and establish a medical treatment pattern that shows the potential need for long-term care. Missing scheduled and necessary medical appointments will likely lead to your claims adjuster dismissing or diminishing the severity of your injuries, significantly reducing the value and settlement of your case.

Should you question or challenge an adjuster’s valuation of your claim?

Claims adjusters working directly with an injured party may arbitrarily deny a claim without reviewing or receiving relevant claim-related documentation. If this happens, too many people simply give up on the claim and do not pursue the compensation they deserve. A person with little or no experience handling a personal injury, workers’ compensation, or medical malpractice claim will not know what steps to take to challenge or appeal the decision. Insurance companies are experienced and manipulative, and they expect accident victims to walk away from valid (and valuable) claims—saving the insurance company hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Do not stand alone – Zwick Law is here for you.

Even the most straightforward injury claim can quickly devolve into a nightmare if not properly handled from the very early stages. Remember, claims adjusters have years of experience negotiating claims, while the average person only deals with one or two injury claims in a lifetime. The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Zwick Law understand how vital quality representation is to your claim. We are prepared to review your situation and take over the time-consuming and stressful task of negotiating with the insurance company.

For questions relating to an injury claim, contact Matthew R Zwick, partner of Zwick Law, at (814) 371-6400 or e-mail, to schedule a legal consultation and free case analysis. At Zwick Law, we’re always here for you.

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