How To Talk To Your Insurer After A Car Accident

On Behalf of | Sep 8, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Like the vast majority of drivers, you almost certainly have auto insurance (because it’s legally required). But even though you are a paying policyholder, do you ever get the feeling that your insurance company isn’t really looking out for your best interests?

The reason you feel this way is because in many cases, insurers are primarily looking out for their own bottom line. Insurance companies maximize profits by limiting or denying claims, so adjusters are often looking for anything to justify such decisions. It turns out that many drivers unwittingly harm their own claims by what they say to their insurance company in the aftermath of a car accident.

You are required to report a crash to your insurer in a timely fashion, and you’ll probably need to file a police report as well. But here are some tips that may help you prevent an unfairly limited or denied claim:

Don’t discuss fault: You don’t have to speculate who was responsible for the accident, and you should avoid saying that you were (even partially) at fault. It could be used against you later.

Don’t deny being injured (until you are sure): Get checked out by a physician before telling your insurance company that you “are OK” or that you “weren’t injured.” Remember that not all injuries are apparent right away, especially if you are still filled with adrenaline when talking to your insurance company.

Don’t give an official statement or sign anything before talking to an attorney: Your insurer will want you on the record as soon as possible, but you don’t have to follow their timeline – especially if it could be used to limit or deny your claim. If something doesn’t seem right or you think you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit, it is worth the extra time and effort to consult with an experienced attorney.

Remember that while your insurance company may not be working in your best interests, a personal injury attorney will be. In most cases, you will pay no legal fees unless your attorney helps you recover money, which means that our interests and your interests are one and the same.

To learn more about how our firm can help you after a car accident, call us to arrange an initial consultation today.