Insurance plays a significant role in personal injury cases. After an accident, many people think the insurance company will cover everything. But insurance companies are businesses, and they often try to pay as little as possible. Knowing how insurance works can help you make smarter choices during your claim.
When you are hurt, you may have medical bills, missed work, and other costs. You may also deal with pain that makes daily life harder. Insurance should help with these losses, but you usually have to prove what happened and how the injury affected you.
How Insurance Companies Review a Claim
After you file a claim, an insurance adjuster reviews it. The adjuster looks at who caused the accident and what your damages are. Damages can include medical treatment, lost wages, and damage to your car or property.
Adjusters often use numbers and formulas to estimate the value of your case. They may also look at photos, medical records, police reports, and witness statements. While the adjusters do look at many factors, their goal is often to keep the payout low.
Why the First Offer May Not Be Fair
Many insurance companies start with a low settlement offer. They may hope you accept it quickly, especially if you are stressed or need money fast. This first offer may not cover future doctor visits, therapy, or follow-up care.
Sometimes injuries take time to show up fully. For example, you might feel “okay” at first, but pain may get worse over the next few days or weeks. If you accept a settlement too soon, you may not be able to ask for more money later.
Policy Limits Can Affect Your Payment
Insurance policies have limits. A policy limit is the most the insurance company will pay, even if your losses are higher. If the at-fault person has low coverage, the money may not be enough to cover everything you need.
This can be frustrating, especially if your medical bills are high. In some cases, you may have to look at other options to help cover the rest of your losses. If you want to better understand how policy limits work and why they matter, our FAQ video “What Is Underinsurance And Why Is It So Important?” explains this in more detail.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Some drivers have no insurance at all. Others have insurance, but their policy is too small to cover a serious crash. This is why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can be important.
This coverage is part of many auto insurance policies. It can help pay for medical bills and other costs when the other driver cannot. It is a good idea to review your insurance policy so you understand what protection you already have.
Some insurance policies also include coverage that helps pay medical bills right away. Our FAQ video “What is MedPay?” explains how this type of coverage may help after an accident.
Insurance Companies May Use Lawyers
Insurance companies often have legal teams. These lawyers work to protect the company’s money. They may question your injuries, argue about who is at fault, or try to delay the process.
That is why many injured people choose to talk with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help gather evidence, handle communication with the insurance company, and push for a fair settlement.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Claim
It helps to keep good records after an accident. Save medical bills, receipts, and proof of missed work. Take photos of injuries and property damage if you can. Write down how you feel each day, especially if pain makes it hard to sleep, work, or do everyday tasks.
Most importantly, do not feel pressured to accept a fast offer. Insurance claims can take time, and it is okay to ask questions and get advice before agreeing to anything.
Insurance issues can feel overwhelming after an accident. If you have questions or want to understand your options, feel free to contact us.