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When talking about personal injuries to the other party's insurance company, remember this rule: Be polite but say little. Shortly after you've notified responsible parties that you've been injured in an accident and intend to file a claim for compensation, you're likely to hear from one or more insurance companies. These first conversations after your accident may be difficult, as you may be agitated or in pain, but common sense and a few guiding principles will keep you from saying anything that will adversely affect your insurance claim.

5 Tips to help you during the first conversation with the insurance adjuster after a car accident

Many accident victims are nervous about their first contact with the insurance company’s adjuster, and justifiably so. Assuming anyone who was recently in a car wreck is dealing with injuries and emotional stress that come from a traumatizing event, it’s hard to think clearly through a claim negotiation. Here are some tips for that first contact with the insurance adjuster to help you advocate for yourself or a loved one and set the stage for financial recovery instead of further anxiety and financial stress.

What do you do if the driver who hit you doesn't have insurance? [VIDEO]

Representing yourself and working with your insurance company isn't as easy as the commercials make it sound, especially if the driver who hit you doesn't have insurance or enough coverage. The adjuster is going to ask you questions that are hard to answer, confusing, or might even feel like they don't believe you, like in this video spoof of the process. It's simply that auto insurers have stakeholders whose best interest it is in not paying the highest amount possible per claim. It's sad but true. This is why it helps to have someone on your side who knows the laws and how to negotiate with insurance companies. Because if they don't play fair, then these cases are settled in court. Especially when you must file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. These are complex claims so it helps to have help. Click here if you're having a hard time dealing with insurance companies and are wondering what to do.

One case study of how an expert witness made all the difference for an injured truck driver

When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, one can feel overwhelmed and isolated. There are many decisions to make, and many different agendas of other people and companies trying to influence those decisions. And an accident victim wants only to focus on healing. Here is a short case study of how one commercial truck driver in Bellingham, Washington, was injured in a fluke accident due to someone else's mistake, and how his case relied on the testimony of an expert witness.

Does your attorney specialize? Here's one major reason why they should

Many attorneys specialize in just one type of law, but not all adhere to this best practice. Choosing a lawyer who works with one type of case and does personal injury on the side is like hiring someone who is fluent in English to be your translator in Spanish because they've taken some courses on it in school. And when you really get into the complexities of tort cases, it's all Greek to most consumers who didn't spend years in law school. Bellingham, Washington personal injury attorney Bill Coats writes on some things to consider if you're thinking of hiring an attorney to help you with your car accident claim.

You've got questions. We've got answers.

After an automobile accident, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what happens next. Bill Coats Law, in Bellingham Washington, has put together a YouTube Channel to answer some common question in hopes to help accident victims start on the right path to full financial recovery. Click here to get the answers you need.

Studies show those who hire a lawyer recover 3.5 times more money on average than those who do not

If you've been injured in an accident, you might be wondering if it's worth it to hire an attorney. How do you know? The headline of this story alone will tell you that sometimes it makes sense to hire one. One of the reasons lawyers can get their clients so much more money for a claim is that insurance company negotiators often don't look at all the factors that your attorney will. Accounting for things like future wage loss and medical bills usually aren't volunteered by insurers, no matter how much of a "good neighbor" they might seem. Click the link for more tips and answers to frequently asked questions to help you decide to hire a personal injury attorney for your accident claim.

Uninsured motorist coverage and wrongful death claims

It can be yet another devastating blow to learn that the person who killed someone you love in a car accident doesn't have a high enough policy to cover the wages your family will lose. But don't despair. There is a way to seek these damages. Click to learn more about uninsured motorist coverage in wrongful death claims.

The most important thing you'll need to prove wage loss for your accident claim

If an accident victim's injuries are serious, it will be impossible to go back to work for awhile. Many people in this situation need to file an insurance claim to cover wage loss, and have many questions about this process. Click here for information on what you need to do to show lost wages for your accident injury claim.

Why do auto insurance rates rise after an accident?

Insurance companies are risk averse and in the business of making money. These are old companies in it for the long run. They have shareholders to consider, and have to pay out major claims if their covered drivers are found to be at-fault. If you file a claim, you likely have found that your premiums increased. You're not alone. Considering that the rates tend to stay high for about three years after each claim is filed, those rate hikes pretty much pay for the damages you’ve been paying your insurance premiums to cover. It’s almost like the car insurance company is giving you a loan to cover your accident losses that you pay them back for over the years. For more information on why car insurance premiums increase after a claim, click here.