How to Handle the Insurance Company After a Luzerne County Car Accident

After a car accident in Luzerne County, you will almost certainly be contacted by an insurance company—usually the at-fault driver's insurer. It's important to remember one thing:

The insurance company is not on your side.

Their goal is to reduce, deny, or delay your personal injury claim. Knowing how to protect yourself early on can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Below are essential tips to keep in mind when dealing with any insurance company after a crash.

Be Careful Before Signing Anything

Insurance companies often send documents quickly after an accident and make it sound like you must sign them immediately. You do not have any legal obligation to do so.

Common documents sent include:

Lowball Settlement Offers

These offers often appear reasonable but rarely cover the full cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term injuries.

Medical Release Forms

A broad medical authorization allows the insurance company to dig through your entire medical history to blame your injuries on pre-existing conditions instead of the crash.

Never sign anything without first speaking to a Luzerne County personal injury lawyer.

Be Careful About What You Tell the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance companies will use anything you say to reduce your claim.

Do not:

• Discuss the details of the crash
• Speculate about fault
• Apologize or admit blame
• Give a recorded statement

Adjusters may sound friendly, but they are trained to ask questions that lock you into their version of events.

The best practice?

Do not speak to the insurance company at all.
Have your personal injury attorney communicate with them on your behalf.

Property Damage After a Luzerne County Car Accident

Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” insurance state. This means:

Medical Bills:

Your own no-fault/PIP coverage pays your medical expenses up to your policy limits—regardless of fault.

Vehicle Damage:

Whether your vehicle repairs are covered depends on your insurance:

• If you have collision coverage: Your own insurer pays for repairs or replacement (subject to your deductible).

• If you do NOT have collision coverage: You can file a property damage claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company to cover your repairs.

Understanding your coverage early helps prevent delays and ensures you get your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible.

Understanding the Insurance Claims Process

Insurance companies know the claims process extremely well—because they designed it. Their goal is simple:

Pay you as little as possible.

Common insurance tactics include:

• Misrepresenting coverage

• Delaying communication

• Minimizing injuries

• Pressuring you to settle early

• Suggesting you don't need an attorney

When you understand the process and have legal help, it becomes much harder for the insurance company to take advantage of you.

Get Help From a Luzerne County Personal Injury Attorney

A skilled personal injury lawyer can:

• Deal with the insurance company so you don't have to

• Prevent you from making mistakes that hurt your claim

• Calculate the true value of your injuries and losses

• Negotiate for a fair settlement

• File a lawsuit when necessary

You deserve full compensation—not the insurance company's lowest offer.

Contact Sklarosky Law Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a Luzerne County car accident, we can help.

📞 Call Sklarosky Law at (570) 283-1200
📨 Or use our online contact form to tell us about your potential case.

Insurance companies have lawyers working against you—make sure you have one fighting for you.