If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a car accident in Buffalo, dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most stressful aspects of the recovery process. It’s important to know what to expect and how to navigate the system to ensure that you receive fair compensation. The team at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC is here to guide you through the intricacies of the claims process. This guide provides practical advice on how to protect your rights before speaking with any insurer.
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Justin Friedman
John Dracup
Car accidents can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not the one behind the wheel. As an injured passenger in Buffalo, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, navigating the insurance claims process can be confusing and frustrating. Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts, and they will often make initial offers that seem fair but are much lower than what you actually deserve. Before you speak with any insurer, it’s crucial to know your rights and how to handle the situation to maximize your claim.
Don’t Rush Into Settling 
When you’re injured in a car accident, it’s tempting to want to resolve the situation quickly and move on. However, insurance companies may offer a settlement early in the process, and you might feel pressured to accept. It’s important to resist this urge. In many cases, the first settlement offer is a lowball offer designed to settle the case quickly before you have had time to fully understand the extent of your injuries or recover from them.
Remember that, as a passenger, you may not have been at fault in the accident, but the insurance company may still try to minimize the payout. If you accept an offer prematurely, you could be forfeiting compensation for future medical bills or other damages that weren’t initially apparent. Instead, speak with an attorney from Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC before agreeing to anything. They will help you evaluate the offer and ensure that it reflects the true costs of your injuries.
Be Cautious With Your Statements
Insurance adjusters are trained to gather as much information as possible, and any statement you make can be used to reduce or deny your claim. You might feel compelled to explain the situation in great detail, but anything you say could be taken out of context and used against you. It’s important to remain polite but avoid admitting fault or making assumptions about the cause of the accident. Even statements like “I’m not sure, but I think I might have been hurt” can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Instead, simply provide the facts as you remember them. Stick to the basics—when and where the accident happened, who was involved, and the details you know for sure. Leave any opinions or guesses about the incident to your attorney, who can handle the complexities of your case.
Understand New York’s Comparative Fault Law
New York follows a system known as comparative fault, which means that your compensation could be reduced if you’re found to be partially responsible for the accident. In some cases, the driver who caused the accident may argue that you were in some way responsible for the injuries you sustained. However, as a passenger, it is highly unlikely that you would be found at fault unless there are specific circumstances (such as encouraging unsafe driving behaviors).
Before speaking with an insurance company, make sure you fully understand how comparative fault could impact your case. This is another reason why consulting an attorney is so important. Your attorney can help you navigate the complexities of this law and protect your interests. They will work to ensure that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to, regardless of any claims made about your potential responsibility for the accident.
Keep Track of All Medical Records
One of the most critical aspects of your personal injury claim is the documentation of your injuries and treatments. Medical records are key in proving the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with your recovery. After the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent, and having a medical professional assess your condition will help create a record that could be essential for your claim.
Additionally, keep track of any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries, such as prescription medications, rehabilitation costs, or any home care you may need. These costs can be factored into your claim and will help establish the total amount you’re owed. If you have any questions about the type of documentation you need to gather, an experienced attorney from Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC can guide you.
Wait Until You Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
In many cases, it’s tempting to settle your claim early, but it’s crucial to wait until you’ve reached what’s called maximum medical improvement (MMI). This means that you’ve recovered as much as you can from your injuries, and any remaining symptoms or conditions are likely to persist in the long term. Settling your claim before reaching MMI could leave you without the necessary compensation for ongoing medical treatments or therapies that you may need in the future.
By waiting until your doctor confirms that you’ve reached MMI, you ensure that the full extent of your injuries is taken into account in your claim. This allows you to recover compensation not only for current medical expenses but also for any future costs associated with your recovery. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider and attorney before moving forward with a settlement.
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Your Legal Rights Are Important
After an accident, it’s important to remember that you have legal rights. As an injured passenger, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. The insurance company may try to minimize the value of your claim, but with the right legal guidance, you can fight back and ensure that you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.
One of the most important decisions you can make is to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury claims. The team at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process, and advocate on your behalf during negotiations with the insurer. Having an experienced lawyer by your side significantly increases your chances of securing a fair settlement that covers both your immediate and long-term needs.
Don’t Accept Less Than You Deserve
The goal of insurance companies is to pay out as little as possible. They may attempt to persuade you to accept a low offer by promising that it’s the best they can do. However, it’s important to remember that the first offer is rarely the final one, and there are often additional damages you might not have considered initially.
An experienced attorney can help you calculate the full value of your claim. This includes not only medical costs but also lost wages, emotional distress, future medical expenses, and any other costs related to your recovery. The team at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC is committed to helping injured passengers get the compensation they deserve. They will work tirelessly to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company and that your claim is handled fairly.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Buffalo as a passenger, your first priority should be to seek medical attention. After that, it’s essential to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal and insurance processes. Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC offers a free consultation to help you understand your rights and the best course of action moving forward.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be stressful, but knowing your rights and taking the right steps will help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured as a passenger in a Buffalo car accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Reach out to Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC for expert legal representation and guidance throughout the claims process.