You do not have to talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company after a car accident. And in most cases, it is not wise to do so.
Instead, speak with a personal injury lawyer before you say anything to the insurance company. The team at the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine focuses on compensation for car accident victims, and we can put our resources to work for you. We offer a free consultation to talk about your case and answer all your questions. Call us at 800-747-3733 to set up an appointment today.
Why Shouldn’t I Talk to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company After a Car Crash?
When filing a claim with your insurance company, your policy requires you to cooperate with your agent and any adjusters assigned to the case. Failure to do so may result in the insurance company delaying your payment or withholding it altogether. Nevertheless, we recommend consulting a lawyer before giving a statement to any insurance company.
Remember, insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and part of maximizing profits involves minimizing expenses. For insurance companies, the money they pay out to claimants represents a significant cost. So, if they can find a way to reduce or eliminate a payout, they probably will.
The person who calls will probably seem friendly, and ostensibly, he or she will be trying to help you. Rest assured, though, that they are documenting your entire conversation, and staff members specially trained to reduce liability will parse your statements for ways to shift at least some fault to you or minimize your injuries.
When the other driver’s insurance company calls you, your best option is to politely end the call as soon as you realize who is on the line and tell the person that your attorney will soon be in touch.
What if the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement?
If the other party is clearly at fault and their insurance company can make no argument to the contrary, it might contact you shortly after the crash and offer a settlement. It can be tempting to take, especially if you are staring down expensive car repair bills and want a quick resolution.
Again, though, you should not work with the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking with an attorney. The chances are good that the settlement, although seemingly generous, falls short of the full amount you deserve.
Your attorney can review your case, determine your eligible damages, and fight for the full amount. But he or she cannot do so if you have already agreed to accept an insurance company settlement or have made statements that undermine the value of your claim.
So, What Should My Plan Be After a Car Accident?
As a general rule, we recommend first consulting a lawyer before giving any recorded statements to an insurance company. Call the attorneys at Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation: 800-747-3733.
