Carabin Shaw is one of the leading personal injury law firms in San Antonio. They have extensive experience in car accident cases, focusing on getting clients the compensation they deserve for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Specialization: Personal injury, car accidents, wrongful death, truck accident injury, 18-wheeler accidents.
Why choose them?: Carabin Shaw offers a free initial consultation, and their team is known for fighting aggressively for their clients’ rights.
Carabin Shaw Personal Injury Blogs – San Antonio
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Personal Injury Accident
After a personal injury accident, one of the first steps you’ll take is filing a claim with an insurance company. While this may seem straightforward, dealing with insurance adjusters can quickly become one of the most frustrating and risky parts of your recovery process. Their primary goal isn’t to help you—it’s to save their company money. At Carabin Shaw, we’ve seen firsthand how injury victims in San Antonio can be shortchanged when they don’t know their rights or have legal representation.
The Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance providers are for-profit businesses. When someone files a claim, the insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize the payout or even deny the claim entirely. While they may sound friendly, they’re trained to use your words against you or twist facts to reduce liability. Got Injured In An Accident – CALL SHAW
Whether you’re dealing with your insurer or the at-fault party’s provider, always remember: they’re not on your side. That’s why it’s essential to approach every communication carefully and consider involving a personal injury attorney from the start.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters
Understanding how insurers operate can help you protect yourself. Some of the most common tactics we see include:
– **Requesting a recorded statement:** Adjusters often ask for recorded interviews early in the process, hoping you’ll say something that undermines your claim.
– **Delaying responses:** They may take their time reviewing your case, hoping you’ll accept a lower offer out of desperation.
– **Offering quick, lowball settlements:** Initial offers are almost always far below what your case is truly worth.
– **Denying medical necessity:** Insurers frequently challenge whether treatments were necessary or related to the accident.
– **Blaming pre-existing conditions:** They may try to claim your injuries existed before the accident to avoid paying.
– **Disputing liability:** They might argue their insured wasn’t at fault or claim you contributed to the incident.
What You Should Do After the Accident
Your actions in the days following a personal injury accident can significantly impact your insurance claim:
– **Seek medical attention immediately:** Delayed care may be used as evidence that your injuries weren’t serious.
– **Document everything:** Take photos, gather witness info, and keep all receipts and medical bills.
– **Avoid speaking to adjusters alone:** Politely decline giving recorded statements without legal counsel.
– **Do not admit fault:** Even apologizing can be misconstrued as an admission of liability.
– **Notify your own insurer:** Most policies require prompt reporting, even if you weren’t at fault.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Carabin Shaw, we handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. This protects you from manipulation and ensures your claim is properly documented and valued. Our experienced San Antonio attorneys:
– Respond to adjuster inquiries professionally and strategically
– Negotiate for full compensation based on your medical records and financial losses
– Prepare demand letters that clearly outline your damages
– Handle appeals for denied claims
– Represent you in court if the insurer refuses a fair settlement
What You Can Claim Through Insurance
In a personal injury case, insurance may cover a wide range of damages. These include:
– Medical expenses
– Property damage
– Lost wages
– Pain and suffering
– Emotional distress
– Future medical care
– Loss of earning capacity
However, insurers rarely offer full value without legal pressure. That’s where our expertise makes a difference.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
– **Don’t accept the first offer:** You may be entitled to much more than the insurer lets on.
– **Don’t sign anything without review:** Settlement agreements may waive your right to further compensation.
– **Don’t post about your injury online:** Social media posts can be used to challenge your claims.
– **Don’t exaggerate or misstate facts:** Honesty is critical—your credibility is key.
Dealing with Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
Texas has a high rate of uninsured drivers. If someone without adequate insurance hits you, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may apply. We help clients file these claims and ensure they’re treated fairly, even by their own insurers.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with insurance companies after a personal injury accident isn’t just paperwork—it’s a high-stakes process that can determine your future. Let Carabin Shaw’s San Antonio legal team protect your rights, communicate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and take control of your recovery with a legal team that knows how to win.
