If you have been involved in auto accident you will know the stress that follows any accident. An auto accident is a very stressful time, typically people are confused and unsure on the best action to take. The insurance companies are aware of this and use it to their advantage. After an auto accident you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. It is very important you do not speak to them – simply tell them to speak to your lawyer.  

Why is this good advice?  

Simply put, the insurance companies will use any information against you. Their goal is to minimize or totally avoid paying you financial compensation. They may call you and ask if you are feeling ok to try and gain your trust. This friendly technique is used to get on your good side and to make you feel comfortable when talking to them. They may ask you certain questions several times in different ways. They do this to try and find small inconsistencies in your story, all the while they know you may be confused. In Maryland the law states that if you are even 1% at fault for the accident you may be at risk for filing a claim. For example if you have been hit by a negligent driver the insurance company may talk about how fast you were driving or if you were using wind shield wipers during a light rain. A simple misuse of words could give them the proof they need to deny your claim.  

From good hands to boxing gloves 

In 1995 Allstate hired a consulting firm McKinsey & Co to help them increase profits. McKinsey & Co. is a top consulting firm and is very good at increasing profits for large corporations, that’s exactly what they did for Allstate. One of the techniques Allstate used was to try and delay payouts to accident victims. Studies have shown that approximately 90% of accident victims would accept a lower payout when they were told they would have to wait six months for their higher compensation. This technique was created to keep money out of your pocket and into Allstate’s ‘Good Hands’. This simply isn’t fair and hurts the accident victim even more. So what can be done? Speaking to a qualified Maryland auto accident lawyer should be the first thing you do after an auto accident. Our firm has the experience in fighting these insurance companies. We understand their unfair techniques and know how to fight against them. We understand that you deserve compensation for your damages and it’s unfair to try and deny them from you. 

Online Resources 

Download our free personal injury handbook to learn more.

FLASH