If you were involved in a car accident, you would know how difficult the recuperation process, and the legal one, can be. You not only have to deal with physical trauma but also with the guilty party’s insurance company to recover the settlement amount. Therefore, it is important that you hire a good attorney who works to solve all the complications of your case while you recover from the injuries.
You can speak with car accident attorneys at dolmanlaw.com to learn more about the struggles of dealing with an insurance company and how to overcome them.
After a car accident, it is important to be careful about what you say to the insurance company, as any statements you make can be used against you. Here are some things you should not say to the insurance company following a car accident:
Admissions of Guilt or Fault
Following an accident, you will be in shock and experiencing physical trauma; therefore, it’s natural to be confused. However, when an insurance adjuster calls, do not admit fault or blame yourself for the accident, even if you think you may have contributed to it. This can be used against you in court and may limit your ability to recover damages.
Apologies
It might seem humane to apologize for the accident in the aftermath, but in the legal sense, it’s the worse thing a person can do to harm their case. An apology can be interpreted as an admission of guilt, so it is best to avoid saying sorry or expressing remorse. Insurance companies may also manipulate you into apologizing. However, it would help if you resisted ever doing so.
Statements About Your Injuries
Do not provide detailed information about your injuries or the extent of your pain and suffering. Wait until you have been fully examined by a medical professional before discussing your injuries with the insurance company.
Statements About the Accident
While you feel tempted to disclose the circumstances related to the accident, it is highly unadvisable not to provide detailed information about the accident or try to reconstruct the events leading up to the accident. Instead, stick to the facts and provide only the requested basic information.
Insurance coverage
Refrain from discussing your insurance coverage or the policy limits with the insurance company. This is the job of your attorney. If you do so, the other party’s insurance company or attorney will do their best to exploit the coverage benefits and shift the blame to recover compensation.
Future Medical Treatment
You must never disclose the details of your future treatment and medication to an insurance company. They are excellent at picking holes and using them against you. Therefore, wait until you have a full understanding of your injuries and the treatment needed before discussing future medical expenses with the insurance company.
Having a lawyer
The worst thing you can do is disclose you don’t have any legal representation. The amount of manipulation and exploitation you will experience from insurance companies will shock you. Do not state that you are not hiring a lawyer or that you do not plan to take legal action. This can be used against you and make it harder to negotiate a fair settlement.
It’s always best to consult an attorney before making any statements to the insurance company and let them handle the communication on your behalf.
