As the Arlington, VA DUI lawyers from Cohen & Cohen knows, car accidents are not only an inconvenience, but they can lead to serious harm for those involved. Accidents with a drunk driver are even more complex, since there may be a case in civil and criminal court. Victims are especially vulnerable to being taken advantage of by those who don’t have their best interest in mind. Specifically speaking, insurance adjusters are one of the people that victims are likely to hear from after submitting an insurance claim. However, keep in mind that you should be wary of your words and the information you share. Here are a few truths to consider when having a conversation with an insurance adjuster:
They Don’t Work For You
You may assume that your insurance is working hard to investigate the accident and do the right thing for you. Most people assume their insurance company is going to have their back after a car accident, but this may not prove to be the reality. Despite the heart-felt commercials and how much insurance companies proclaim to be there for those they service, they are still a for-profit entity. Their biggest concern is not your health and finances, it’s about making money.
They Know How Much You Deserve
If you received a settlement offer from your insurance, it’s likely that they already know how much you should get, but the initial cost will be much less. These lowball offers are routine practices for insurance companies. Insurers set first offers so low that if they have to continue going up a few times during negotiations, they will still save money. Some insurance companies may deny a claim outright, even if it looks valid, because it’s expensive and they want to avoid paying out. As your Arlington, Virginia DUI lawyers can explain, if you were hit by a drunk driver, your injuries and property damage may be substantial. Such a situation warrants contacting a reputable lawyer so you get the compensation you deserve.
They Want To Use Statements Against You
Insurance adjusters are paying attention to your every word. Talking to adjusters can be tricky. There is an obligation to speak with your insurance company after a car accident, and you have to be reasonably cooperative. But, you must be careful about what statements you say. Your lawyer can prepare you for a conversation with an adjuster if you are nervous to take the call. It’s unfortunate because most people want to trust their insurance company, while their adjuster is trying to actively work against their claim.
Being in a car accident is stressful enough, so when someone gets hit by a drunk driver, they may not be sure how to handle the situation to the full extent it requires. Our lawyers for Arlington, VA DUI accidents from Cohen & Cohen are ready to take your call and come to your aid.
What to Do If You Spot a Drunk Driver
Although the dangers of drunk driving are well known by now, some people still choose to get behind the wheel intoxicated. Drunk drivers have lower reaction times and poor judgment, so they put everyone on the road in danger. Signs of drunk drivers include erratic braking, swerving, hitting curbs, making illegal turns, reacting slowly to traffic signals and driving in the middle of the road. If you think you spot a drunk driver nearby, it is important to know what steps to take next.
Here are the things you should do if you see a drunk driver on the road:
- Stay far away. If you suspect someone is driving drunk, you’ll want to stay as far away as you can from that person’s vehicle. If you are behind the vehicle, you’ll want to switch lanes as soon as it is safe to do so. If the drunk driver does something dangerous and causes an accident, you’ll at least be safe at a distance.
- Don’t try to get the driver’s attention. A drunk driver is putting other people’s lives in danger, so you may feel like it is your duty to stop the driver. However, this can backfire. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol aren’t thinking clearly and may react violently if you try to intervene. It’s best to leave it up to law enforcement to deal with drunk drivers.
- Takes notes about the vehicle. The more information you know about the drunk driver’s vehicle, the easier it will be for law enforcement to find the vehicle. Notice the make, model and color of the vehicle. If you’re able to write down the license plate number, you should do so.
- Call the police. To prevent the drunk driver from causing an accident and hurting someone, call 911 as soon as you can. Tell the police approximately where you are, a description of the vehicle and why you believe the driver is drunk. They will take care of it from there.
If you do get hit by a drunk driver, it’s important to speak with Arlington, VA DUI lawyers as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other losses that resulted from the accident. A lawyer can help you pursue a timely injury case against the drunk driver.
