Four people are in the hospital following a car crash involving a San Francisco bus stop on June 29th. The collision occurred at the intersection of Mission St. and Onondaga Ave., where numerous pedestrians were waiting for the bus. The driver was suspected to have been impaired and was detained at the scene by the bystanders before the arrival of the authorities. He was to be further evaluated for drug impairment or intoxication. One of the injured pedestrians is in critical condition, while the other three victims are stable.
Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company
If you are involved in an automobile accident, it is of the utmost importance to speak to a personal injury lawyer before contacting your insurance company. Many people believe that the correct course of action after a car accident is to speak to both your and the other party’s insurance companies. This can put you on an unlevel playing field. The insurance company has a large team of attorneys that work for a billion-dollar insurance company. Taking them on without your own legal representation leaves you at their mercy. Their lawyers and adjusters have spent their entire careers fighting claims on behalf of the insurance companies, and unless you have extensive experience in this field, it is not wise to go it alone if you want to be fairly compensated.
The Insurance Company Is Not On Your Side
The chief goal of the insurance company is to save money. This often involves denying your claim or reducing compensation. If you speak to them first, they will ask for information about the crash and get a recorded statement. This could negatively impact your case if you don’t have the guidance of an experienced attorney. Do not sign any settlements offered by the insurance adjusters before consulting with your personal injury lawyer. Often you will be offered a small fraction of what you are entitled to.
Insurance companies will try many tactics to diminish your case’s worth. An attorney well versed in personal injury accidents and insurance companies is an asset to have in your corner. If you have been involved in an auto accident in the Bay Area, call the Law Offices of Tanya Gomerman at (415) 545-8608. We provide a FREE consultation to discuss your case.