Tips for Talking With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident there is a lot to deal with. Filing a claim with your insurance company is crucial following the collision. After a claim is filed, drivers may be contacted by their own insurance company, or the insurance company of other driver or drivers involved.
The statements drivers make to insurance companies are important, because they could compromise the claim and minimize settlement offers. To help drivers in Arlington, TX, and surrounding areas avoid costly mistakes, car accident attorney Roger “Rocky” Walton offers these tips for talking with insurance companies after a car accident.
Be Truthful and Respectful
Drivers should confront a call with an insurance company the same way they would a business call. It is important to act professional and respectful. Understandably, these conversations can sometimes be stressful, but the insurance representative is just doing their job. If a driver gets short-tempered or aggressive, it only serves to complicate the situation.
Drivers should also be completely truthful when speaking to insurance companies. Insurance companies will investigate accident claims and being caught in a lie will compromise the claim. That being said, drivers do not need to answer every question that is asked. If they are not ready to discuss certain information, or do not know the answer to a question, they should say so.
Provide Only the Basics
Rocky Walton wants his Arlington clients to understand that they do not need to provide insurance companies with every detail surrounding a car accident. It is actually in a driver’s best interest to provide only the basic information that the insurance company needs to do their job. This includes:
- Your name and contact info
- Names and contact info for other involved drivers or witnesses
- The types of cars involved in the accident
- The time and location of the accident
Do Not Agree to Be Recorded
Insurance companies often ask to record calls, insisting that it is standard practice. We advise drivers not to agree to a recorded call. Drivers do not always remember things clearly after an accident, or communicate information the way they intend. If a statement is recorded, any information that is on tape could be used against a driver later down the road.
Do Not Admit Fault
Admitting fault for an accident is one of the biggest mistakes a driver can make when talking to insurance companies. First, it is the insurance company’s job to determine accident liability. Second, drivers are seldom familiar with all the circumstances surrounding an accident. Even if a driver thinks they are at fault, there may be other factors that led to, or at least contributed to, the car crash.
Do Not Discuss the Extent of Injuries
Insurance companies frequently ask about accident injuries. This is a subject that should not be discussed with insurance companies, at least not initially. Accident injuries are not always immediately apparent, and many worsen in the days and weeks following the accident. Before talking about accident injuries with an insurance company, drivers should seek a medical evaluation and consult with an attorney.
Don’t Feel Pressured to Accept a Settlement
Insurance companies want to make a profit just like any other business. The best way for them to do this is to settle accidents quickly. Fast settlements save money, because they close claims before the full extent of accident damages are known. If an insurance company offers a fast settlement, drivers should not feel pressured to accept it. Instead, it is best to work with a car accident attorney who can pursue a higher settlement offer that more accurately reflects the victim’s losses.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you have been injured in a car accident, attorney Roger “Rocky” Walton can help you get the financial compensation you are due. To learn more about your legal options following a car crash, contact our law firm online, or call our Arlington office at (817) 429-4299.