If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, in order to receive that compensation, you must first file a timely injury claim. The at-fault party’s insurance company may call you after the accident and ask you questions about your case. Some people get nervous when speaking to an insurance adjuster and accidentally say the wrong things.
Here are a few helpful tips for speaking to an insurance company following an accident.
Only Provide Basic Information
If the insurance company contacts you, only give them basic information. Try to only provide “yes” or “no” answers. The more detailed information you give the insurance company, the more likely you are to say something that may jeopardize your case. Do not provide any information about your injuries. If you say that you are feeling fine or that your injuries are getting better, the insurance company can use that information to devalue your claim. While you do not have to be impolite, you should be firm.
Do not Provide a Recorded Statement
During your conversation with an insurance adjuster, you may be asked to provide a recorded statement. Under no circumstances should you do this. Providing a statement will serve no benefit to you. In fact, it may actually harm your case. You could accidentally say the wrong thing and the insurance company has a recording of it. Politely decline to provide a recorded statement.
Never Admit Fault
A common mistake the legal professionals at Norris Injury Law see accident victims make is admitting fault. Sometimes they do it unintentionally. For example, they might say they are sorry the accident happened or say that they forgot to turn on the turn signal before the crash. The insurance company is looking for ways to put the blame on you, so avoid admitting fault.
Write Down the Details of the Conversation
After you get off the phone with the insurance adjuster, you should write down the details of your conversation in a notebook. Write down the time of the call, the name of the insurance adjuster and the types of questions you were asked. Did the insurance adjuster pressure you to provide information about your injuries after you already declined? If so, you should also jot that information down.
Tell the Insurance Company to Contact Your Lawyer
If you have already retained a Watkinsville, GA personal injury lawyer, you may direct the insurance company to give your lawyer a call. After all, you do not want to stay on the phone with the insurance adjuster too long. You may risk saying the wrong thing. A skilled lawyer has experience dealing with insurance companies and will not let them take advantage of you. He or she may be able to negotiate a more favorable settlement.
If you were injured in an accident, you should schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case in detail.
