Guidelines for dealing with insurance companies after a car crash

Contact a Lawyer

If you are suffering from serious car accident injuries, the easiest and most secure course of action is to have an experienced lawyer speak with the insurance company for you. This way you do not have to worry about what to say or how to deal with adjusters. Adjusters are looking for facts that would show you were at fault or show that your injuries are not serious as serious as you say. They also often push for an early settlement. Car accident attorneys are aware of the strategies that insurance companies use to reduce claim payments. It is your right to consult with a lawyer before speaking with the insurance company, whether your own or the other driver’s.

Recorded Statements

Adjusters often say they will record statements for accuracy. However, their intention might be to catch you saying something they can use to deny compensation. You have no legal obligation to record your statements simply because the adjuster says they will be recording. Later, after the interview, you may recall facts that you did not recall at the time due to being in shock. The adjustor might accuse you of hiding details. You can always say that you will have them speak with your lawyer instead.

If possible, you should take photos of the car accident and your injuries. Keep notes about what occurred during the accident. Notes could include the time, date, location, road conditions, traffic violations and what you recall happened. Also keep medical records, diagnoses, treatment plans, car repair estimates, the police report, witness statements and any other information related to the accident. In addition, you should keep copies of all the communications the insurance company sends you.

Contact a Lawyer

If you are suffering from serious car accident injuries, the easiest and most secure course of action is to have an experienced lawyer speak with the insurance company for you. This way you do not have to worry about what to say or how to deal with adjusters. Adjusters are looking for facts that would show you were at fault or show that your injuries are not serious as serious as you say. They also often push for an early settlement. Car accident attorneys are aware of the strategies that insurance companies use to reduce claim payments. It is your right to consult with a lawyer before speaking with the insurance company, whether your own or the other driver’s.

If you end up speaking with an adjuster, do not say anything that could be twisted to indicate you were at fault. The adjuster could take your statement out of context or misrepresent it to appear like an admission of fault for causing the accident. Even when giving details about the accident, the adjuster could try to lead you into saying something that could position you as the driver at fault. If you have any doubts about how to answer, you can refer them to your attorney.

Recorded Statements

Adjusters often say they will record statements for accuracy. However, their intention might be to catch you saying something they can use to deny compensation. You have no legal obligation to record your statements simply because the adjuster says they will be recording. Later, after the interview, you may recall facts that you did not recall at the time due to being in shock. The adjustor might accuse you of hiding details. You can always say that you will have them speak with your lawyer instead.

Accident victims may be strapped for money due to medical and other expenses. As a result, they might be tempted to agree to a quick settlement. This is unwise because injuries often take longer to recover from than anticipated. In fact, injuries might even get worse as time goes by. Rather than giving detailed descriptions of your injuries, you can always say that you’re receiving medical treatment and to contact your lawyer for details.

If possible, you should take photos of the car accident and your injuries. Keep notes about what occurred during the accident. Notes could include the time, date, location, road conditions, traffic violations and what you recall happened. Also keep medical records, diagnoses, treatment plans, car repair estimates, the police report, witness statements and any other information related to the accident. In addition, you should keep copies of all the communications the insurance company sends you.