What To Do if an Insurance Company Contacts You After an Accident
Dealing with the fallout of an auto accident is never a fun ordeal. Stress can run high, especially when one or more parties file insurance claims. For most claims, it is entirely possible that you will receive a call from a representative of the other driver’s insurance company. Knowing what to expect throughout the process will help you stay prepared and even avoid potential liability.
What to Expect
Every insurance company will want to represent its own clients as best as it can. This means that the other driver’s insurance company will try to minimize your compensation or maximize the damages they can charge you for. They achieve this by subtly convincing you to implicate yourself. It starts with the representative asking questions that may feel irrelevant initially before they catch you off-guard with a more pressing question.
Often, they’ll adopt a friendly, conversational tone to make you feel comfortable enough to open up to them. Additionally, insurance company representatives will try to record conversations. This way, they can use your statements as evidence if they have on record that you accidentally admitted some degree of fault for the accident.
What to Do While Speaking with a Representative
Fortunately, most states do not legally require you to speak with a representative of another insurance company. You can simply decline the call, or you can advise the caller to contact your representative. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can suggest that you will only speak to them with a lawyer present. This way, you ensure you have someone with your interests at heart-protecting you in real-time.
If you do speak with them, do not divulge anything other than the facts, such as your name and address or the location of the accident. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Anything you say can and will be used against you,” it’s referring to situations like these. Any opinions you have about the nature of the accident or about your injuries can legally be used against you in future proceedings. It’s integral that you do not admit fault, even partially.
As soon as you admit fault, your own claims to compensation will decrease. To further protect yourself, if a representative asks if they can record you, refuse.
How to Protect Yourself
Insurance companies will not want to pay you, so they will employ any tactic they can to reduce compensation. Hiring a car accident lawyer is your best defense against liability. A car accident lawyer from David & Philpot, P.L. will help ensure you are not being taken advantage of so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
