In the immediate wake of a traffic accident, your focus should be on tending to and recovering from your injuries. In addition to visiting the doctor to obtain a diagnosis and receive treatment for your injuries, it's also important to contact your insurance company.

With slogans like "you're in good hands" and "we keep our promises to you," many drivers likely assume that their car insurance company truly has their best interests in mind. In reality, however, insurance companies routinely seek to deny or settle claims for amounts much less than what an injured party is owed.

It can be intimidating to deal with an insurance company and the things that you do or say can end up negatively impacting your ability to recover compensation. The following tips provide some important guidance and guidelines on how to promote your best interests when communicating with your insurance company.

Advice for dealing with your car insurance company

• Thoroughly read through your insurance policy and make sure that you understand the terms of your coverage.
• Call your insurance company and report the accident ASAP.
• Take detailed notes of your conversation including the names and titles of the individuals you speak with at the insurance company.
• Be honest about the circumstances of a traffic accident. It's better to fess up to any traffic violations now than to have an insurer discover such information later on in the claims process.

In cases where any of the following issues or scenarios come up when speaking with your car insurance company, it's a good idea to consult with a lawyer.

• If you are asked to provide a recorded or written statement
• If an insurance company requests that you sign a waiver or release form
• If questions or concerns related to your policy's terms and/or time limits come up
• If an insurance company is refusing to pay on your claim or attempts to settle a claim for a reduced amount.

After a car accident; the costs associated with medical bills, lost wages and disabling injuries can easily total tens of thousands of dollars. It's important to remember that your insurance company is obligated to fulfill the terms of your policy and contract. An attorney who has experience fighting for injury victims and deep knowledge of the insurance claims process can be a valuable resource and strong legal advocate.