After a car accident, while you are trying to deal with your injuries and repairs, you may get a phone call from the other driver’s insurance company. The agents might seem polite and “helpful,” but you need to be very careful.
Speaking to them without legal advice can put your case and compensation at risk. Here are reasons why it is not a good idea to talk to the other driver’s insurance company before you reach out to car accident attorneys:
Reduced Payouts
It is easy to forget that insurance companies are businesses that are also looking to make a profit. Their main goal is to protect their bottom line, not help you. That means they are looking to minimize the payout as much as possible and even pay nothing at all.
Even if the person on the phone sounds friendly, remember they are trained to look for ways to reduce the value of your claim. They may ask questions in a cunning way that gets you to say something that helps their case instead of yours.
You Could Say Something That Hurts Your Case
As mentioned, when speaking with the other driver’s insurance, you might say something that can be used against you later. For example, casually saying, “I’m feeling pretty much okay,” they might claim that you were not really injured. Or if you say, “I didn’t see the other car coming,” they might twist that into distracted driving and an admission of fault.
These conversations are often recorded, and even a small slip-up can affect your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. You might think that you are being polite or, rather, explaining what happened, but this lands you in more trouble.
Getting Pressured to Settle Quickly
Insurance adjusters often try to offer a quick settlement. They might say it is the best offer you can get, or that is all they can do. At first, this might seem like a relief, as you will get money fast and put the ordeal behind you. But this is usually a mistake.
Immediately after an accident, you might not know how serious your injuries are. Medical costs can add up over time. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more, even if new problems come up. These early offers are often much lower than what your case is really worth.
Emotional and Psychological Vulnerability
After an accident, people are more susceptible to pressure and emotional manipulation. Interacting with insurance adjusters only adds to the psychological and emotional pressure. This means you won’t be in the right state to handle negotiations and can easily give in to the insurance company’s offer.
What Should You Do Instead?
The most important thing to know is that you are not required to speak to the other driver’s insurance. In fact, it is better if you don’t. Your focus should be on talking to your own insurance and getting an attorney. You can politely decline and say your lawyer will be in touch.
An experienced accident attorney will protect your rights and control the narrative on your behalf. This way, all facts that support your claim are presented in the right way.
If you end up talking to them, then keep the conversation brief. Stick to the facts and don’t offer any opinions or guesses. Also, don’t agree to record the conversation without legal advice.
Conclusion
Dealing with insurance companies after a crash can be very tricky. Anything you say, even by accident, could cost you the money you may need to cover essential bills. If you have been involved in an accident, it is best to talk to a personal injury lawyer before dealing with the other driver’s insurance.
