Why You Shouldn't Handle Your Accident Claim By Yourself
Why You Shouldn't Handle Your Accident Claim By Yourself
After an accident, it may feel tempting to handle the insurance claim on your own. Many people think the process will be simple, especially when the other driver was clearly at fault. Unfortunately, accident claims often become far more complicated once medical bills start stacking up, insurance adjusters begin asking questions, and long-term injuries reveal themselves. At this stage, having proper guidance can protect your rights and your recovery. As you look for support, Sarkisian Law is here to help you understand why going it alone is rarely in your best interest. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation.
While accident victims can legally pursue compensation without representation, doing so can place you at a significant disadvantage. Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts, limit liability, and close claims quickly. Without someone advocating for your interests, it becomes easy to accept less than what you deserve. Below are the key reasons why handling your claim on your own can lead to costly mistakes.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but their job is to protect their company’s bottom line. They handle accident claims every day, understand the system inside and out, and know exactly which questions to ask to produce statements that can be used against you.
Common tactics include:
- Offering a quick but low settlement
- Encouraging you to sign broad medical releases
- Suggesting you do not need representation
- Downplaying your injuries
- Blaming you for part of the accident
These tactics are designed to pressure injured people into accepting less money than they need for medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery. Without proper legal guidance, it is easy to fall into these traps.
You May Not Know the Full Value of Your Claim
One of the biggest mistakes people make when handling their own accident claim is underestimating what their case is worth. Most accident victims think only about immediate medical bills or vehicle damage. In reality, an accurate valuation must include:
- Future medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost earning ability
- Permanent impairment or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional harm
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Many of these losses are not obvious right away. Some injuries worsen with time or require ongoing treatment. If you settle too early, you forfeit the ability to seek additional compensation later.
Accurately evaluating damages often requires understanding medical reports, wage information, and long-term projections. Without support, it becomes challenging to calculate these losses fully, especially when the situation becomes more complex as evidence develops.
Indiana’s Statute of Limitations Can Eliminate Your Claim Entirely
One of the most critical legal deadlines to understand is Indiana’s personal injury statute of limitations. Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, accident victims generally have two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit.
If you miss this two-year window, your right to pursue compensation is usually lost forever. Even if your injuries are severe or the other party is clearly responsible, courts typically dismiss late claims.
People who handle their own insurance cases sometimes spend months negotiating with adjusters, only to find that a settlement is close. They are unaware that the statute of limitations is approaching. Insurance companies know this and may intentionally delay communication. Once the deadline passes, they have no obligation to continue negotiations. Understanding and tracking legal deadlines is essential, especially if your injuries require long-term care or if fault is disputed.
Indiana’s Comparative Fault Law Can Reduce or Block Your Recovery
Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2, individuals who file an accident claim are subject to a modified comparative fault system. This means:
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
- You cannot recover anything if you are 51% or more at fault
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto unrepresented victims. For example, they may argue that you:
- Were driving slightly over the speed limit
- Were distracted
- Didn’t take evasive action
- Misjudged a distance or signal
Even small percentages of fault can significantly lower your compensation. Without legal support, most people do not know how to effectively challenge these allegations. Adjusters know this and attempt to take advantage.
Evidence Can Be Lost if Not Preserved Quickly
Accident cases depend heavily on evidence. When someone tries to handle a claim alone, they often don’t realize how quickly important evidence can disappear, including:
- Surveillance footage
- Vehicle data
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records
- Accident scene measurements
- Medical documentation
Insurance companies may quickly collect favorable evidence for their side but have no obligation to preserve materials that might help you. By the time you realize more information is needed, it may be gone. Gathering, preserving, and analyzing evidence takes time and coordinated effort. Doing this on your own while trying to recover physically is overwhelming.
Medical Treatment Gaps Can Harm Your Case
Many accident victims delay treatment or miss appointments because they feel slightly better or worry about cost. Insurance companies often seize on these gaps as evidence that the injury is minor or unrelated to the accident.
When handling your claim alone, you may not know how documentation affects value. Consistent medical care plays a significant role in strengthening your case, yet many people unintentionally damage their claims due to misunderstandings about treatment and recordkeeping.
Statements to Insurance Companies Can Be Used Against You
Adjusters frequently ask unrepresented claimants for recorded statements. These conversations feel casual, but every word is analyzed. Even innocent remarks can be twisted into arguments that reduce your compensation, such as:
- “I’m feeling better.”
- “I didn’t see the other driver.”
- “Maybe I braked late.”
Once given, statements cannot be undone. This is one of the biggest risks of handling your claim alone.
Settlement Negotiations Are Not Simple
Insurance companies negotiate every day. Accident victims don’t. The process involves evaluating offers, reviewing medical records, challenging low valuations, and understanding how long-term injuries affect compensation. Without support, it becomes challenging to navigate negotiations effectively. Many people settle for far less than they deserve simply because they don’t know what a fair offer looks like.
You Deserve Someone Focused on Your Recovery
Your health should be your top priority after an accident. Handling paperwork, chasing adjusters, collecting documents, and defending yourself against blame takes valuable time and energy that should go toward healing. When you have legal support, you can focus on medical treatment and rebuilding your life while someone else handles the pressure of the claim process.
You do not need to face the aftermath of an accident alone. Understanding Indiana’s laws, deadlines, and evidence requirements can protect your right to maximum compensation, and taking early action helps prevent costly mistakes. If you’ve been injured and want dedicated guidance from start to finish, the attorneys at Sarkisian Law are here to help. To learn more,
contact us today for a free consultation.
