Have you recently been in a car accident? Was the car accident caused by the negligence of another person or party? It can be an extremely stressful and scary experience, not just when it happens, but the recovery can also pose a variety of physical and mental challenges. Even minor car accidents can result in costly repairs to your vehicle and medical bills. Of course, this is what insurance is for, or at least that’s what most drivers assume.
The problem is that when you are dealing with insurance companies, they always want to offer the lowest payouts possible, which doesn’t work in your favor and may not even be fair and reasonable. So, before you take on that stress, we’ve got some useful tips on how you can best deal with an insurance company’s questions after a car accident occurs.
Remember the Insurance Company Isn’t Looking Out for You
A very important factor to remember is that the insurance company representing the negligent driver isn’t looking out for your best interests. Their goal is to settle as quickly as possible and for as little as possible. Before you know it, you could be accepting a settlement that is well below fair value and you have now short-changed yourself.
The Facts are Your Best Friend
When you are asked questions by the insurance company, you must stick to the facts only. Never give up information or answers that they didn’t even inquire about. It doesn’t mean you’re lying; it just means you are focused on the facts and only answering the most basic questions. Never guess answers, or answer with such comments as “I think” or “I believe”. Answers must be fact-based only. If you truly don’t know, then that’s the answer you give. This also means you can’t exaggerate any of the circumstances or facts surrounding the accident and your injuries.
Keep Careful Records of All Conversations
If you do find yourself speaking to the insurance company, it’s wise to keep track of the questions they asked and what your answers were. This means writing it down so you can refer back to it if necessary. It may be important information for your personal injury case.
Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company
It’s normal to feel flustered by the insurance company if they are calling and hounding you with questions. There is nothing wrong with telling them you are unable to talk and that you are busy getting medical treatment or you are trying to recover. You certainly don’t want to find yourself answering things wrong or saying things that would possibly harm your case simply because you are flustered.
Not sure how to get out of the conversation and shut down the conversation? You can use answers/statements such as these:
- I’m not prepared to talk about the accident.
- I’m not prepared yet to talk about my injuries.
- I will follow up with you later.
- My lawyer will follow up with you.
If these lines don’t help, or you just don’t feel comfortable using them, it’s best to ignore the call and not answer it. Insurance companies are highly skilled at making you feel at ease and getting you to put your guard down, so it’s wise to have these responses ready to go. Even a simple question such as “How are you” can be unwise to answer. That company and that adjuster are not your friends.
The fact is that insurance adjusters know exactly how to get you to say things that will mess up your case. There is also the fact that you don’t have to talk to them, as there is no law that states you must.
You Don’t Have to Agree to a Recording
Another technique that insurance companies can use on victims is to record their statements. This can be very beneficial to the insurance company but can end up being used against you. There is no reason you need to agree to it, so be sure to say no.
Bear in mind they will often take that recording and then compare it to what the police report says, looking for any discrepancies or potentially damaging information.
Get Details from the Insurance Company
While it may seem like the insurance company is pestering you with constant questions, you need to be looking out for your best interests. It is recommended that you ask for the insurance company’s name, the adjuster’s name, and their phone number. Write the information down and store it somewhere you can easily find it.
Hire One of Our Personal Injury Lawyers Immediately
The very best step you can take is to hire one of our top personal injury attorneys here at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. A personal injury accident lawyer is well-versed in dealing with the questions that the negligent party’s insurance company will have. We are familiar with the typical lingo that is used, what they may be looking for, and what’s involved in agreeing on fair compensation.
A personal injury accident attorney looks out for you and your needs and isn’t worried about placating the insurance company. You are our client, and it’s you we are looking out for.
This means when the insurance company does call you, there’s no need to answer anything. You can let the company know that all communication will be done through your attorney and that they will need to speak to the lawyer – not you. There is no need to provide any further comment on the accident, your injuries, your treatment, damages or anything.
As for when to give us a call, it’s simple – as soon as possible following your accident. This means as soon as you’re medically stable enough to give us a call or visit us in person, we recommend you do so. Let Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys protect your legal rights and get you the compensation you and your family deserve.