Dealing With Insurance Companies After A Car Accident

October 19, 2022

After a car accident, you want to hope that your insurance company will take care of you. However, insurance companies have a reputation for being difficult to deal with after accidents. Because they are in the risk assessment business, insurance companies know how to play games with your claim and make it hard for you to get the compensation you deserve. Luckily, we are here with some tips to help make the process a little easier.


Know What You Are Up Against

Insurance companies have a reputation for being difficult to deal with after car accidents. This can be frustrating, especially when dealing with your injuries and the aftermath of a car accident.


Insurance companies are motivated by profit and the bottom line. They want to do everything they can to reduce their costs to keep their profits high and shareholders happy. That means they may deny claims, delay payments, and hire investigators to find ways to deny or minimize their payments if they think that will save them money in the long run (even if doing so is unethical).

Gather Evidence

Taking pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your property will help you and your insurance company get a clearer picture of what happened. You should also take pictures of any witnesses who were there at the time and police officers who arrived on the scene.


If you cannot photograph anything for some reason, ensure you write down as much detail about it as possible—including descriptions or measurements of objects or people involved in an accident. Typically police reports can help when you need official documentation of any accidents and are a great document when filing claims.

Keep Records Of Everything

As soon as you have been in an accident, you must keep track of everything. You can start by keeping a diary or journal of events—when and where the crash happened, who was involved, and what injuries they sustained.


Keep copies of all medical records related to your injuries incurred in the accident, including doctor’s notes, x-rays (and MRI/CT scans), and prescriptions for medication. For example, if you were diagnosed with whiplash or another injury after the car accident, ensure these are documented along with all treatment plans prescribed by your healthcare provider(s).

Keep a copy of all bills related to property damage caused by the collision (like repairs on a broken headlight), medical care received after being injured during an auto collision, or lost wages due to time off work as a result of injuries sustained at this time as well as any other expenses associated with this incident.

Take note of the insurance agents you talk to as well. It can be hard to track down agents you talk to while being put on hold, but if you can write down names, identifying support ticket numbers, or any other identifying info, you can help your case.

Be Wary Of Documents You Are Asked To Sign

Be very wary of documents you are asked to sign. Insurance companies will often try to get you to sign statements that say you're not going to ask for additional compensation, and they may even ask you to agree not to sue them in court. Don't do it! If a statement of this nature is slipped into the pile of stuff an insurance adjuster has given you, take it out and put it aside. Do not sign anything until your attorney has reviewed it with you.


Legal Help

Not all insurance companies are created equal. Some are more likely than others to deny claims. Suppose you're dealing with an insurer that has a reputation for denying claims often. In that case, it's best to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you fight back against the insurance company.


Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying claims. They must delay payment as long as possible to reduce their costs. They will try to make you accept a lower settlement than you deserve. If you have to go to court, you will need an attorney.

If your claim is denied and you believe the decision was made in bad faith, the team at Slusser Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.


January 20, 2025
The holidays are a time to hit the road and visit loved ones, but winter weather doesn’t always make things easy. Snow, ice, and long road trips can lead to accidents, especially when you’re driving through unfamiliar areas. Getting in an accident is already stressful – and being far from home can make it even more complicated. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in an accident while traveling out of town – and how Slusser Law Firm can help. Focus on safety first If you’re in an accident, especially in winter conditions, take a moment to check that everyone in your car is safe. Move to a safer location if possible, especially on icy roads where other drivers might be having a hard time stopping. Call emergency services if anyone is injured, and get medical attention as soon as possible if you need it. Health comes first. Collect important details Documenting the accident is key – no matter where you are. Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved, if any, and get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Know your rights – even out of state Here’s where things get a bit more complicated: If you’re in an accident outside of Pennsylvania, different state laws might come into play. Insurance rules, deadlines for reporting injuries, and liability laws can vary from state to state. While it may sound overwhelming, Slusser Law Firm is here to help you navigate these complexities and make sure you’re covered, even when things aren’t straightforward. Don’t wait to reach out for help After an accident, especially if you’re away from home, you may feel unsure about what to do next. Give us a call. We’ve got experience handling out-of-town cases, and we’ll walk you through every step to make sure your rights are protected. Our team is here to answer your questions and give you peace of mind during the holidays. Dealing with an accident far from home doesn’t have to be a headache. At Slusser Law Firm, we make sure that you’re well-informed and fully supported, no matter where you are. With our help, you can focus on what matters most this season: spending time with family, recovering, and enjoying the holiday spirit. If you have questions about holiday travel safety, accident claims, or anything in between, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available 24/7 to help you stay prepared and protected.
January 13, 2025
If you're like most people, car insurance terms can feel like a different language. Insurance companies love to push "limited tort" because it’s cheaper – they say it’ll save you money now. But what they don’t tell you is that it could cost you way more in the long run if you ever get hurt in an accident. Let’s break it down.  What’s the difference between full tort and limited tort? Full Tort: This option lets you claim compensation for all of your losses, pain and suffering included, if you’re injured in an accident. Think of it as a full-access pass to the benefits you’re paying for. Limited Tort: Sure, it might lower your monthly premium, but there’s a big catch. With limited tort, you’re generally limited in what you can recover. You may still be able to claim for medical bills, but pain and suffering? Not so much. Unless your injuries are classified as “serious” – and proving that can be a tall order – you’re out of luck. Why full tort is worth it Look, I get it. Insurance can get expensive, and limited tort seems like a quick way to save. But here’s the reality: car accidents can be life-changing. Medical bills, lost work, the pain – all of it adds up. If you go with limited tort, you could be left with bills that far outweigh the savings you pocketed upfront. When you’re paying for full tort, you’re investing in peace of mind. If the worst happens, you’ve got the flexibility to pursue compensation that truly reflects what you’re going through. Let’s make it real Imagine this: You’re hit in a collision that wasn’t your fault. You have some injuries – maybe a few fractures and weeks of painful recovery. But since you have limited tort, getting compensated for the emotional and physical toll might not be in the cards. Full tort? You’d be covered for those losses. It’s the difference between getting only some of what you need versus being fully supported. So, what should you do? If you’re serious about protecting yourself, go with full tort. You’ll pay a bit more upfront, but the benefits if you’re ever in an accident are worth every penny. It’s like wearing a helmet when you ride a motorcycle – you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful it’s there if you do. At Slusser Law Firm, your fight is our fight, and we're here to help you understand your options and make sure you’re fully protected. If you have questions about car insurance choices, personal injury cases, or anything else, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat 24/7 and make these big decisions feel a little less daunting.
January 6, 2025
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