Car insurance is a critical part of recovering damages after an accident. Without insurance, you may not be able to recover money for your hospital bills, or repair damaged property. However, just because you pay your insurance company to reimburse you for your losses, do not assume that your insurance company—or the other driver’s insurance company—has your best interests in mind.
Before you speak with any insurance company, speak with an attorney first. Board Certified personal injury attorney Bryan Caulfield can help you protect your rights after an accident, and will keep unscrupulous insurance adjusters from taking advantage of you and your family.
What You Should Say To an Insurance Adjuster
After an accident, you have a responsibility to contact your insurance company and let them know about the collision. The other driver also has this responsibility, but you cannot rely solely on someone else’s actions, especially if the accident was that person’s fault.
When you speak with your insurance company, be brief and give them the contact information for the other driver, as well as the name of that person’s insurance company. Once you have an attorney, refer any questions to your lawyer who will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster
While not every insurance adjuster is out to deny reasonable claims, every insurance company is in the business of making money. If every claim were approved, the company wouldn’t be profitable. For that reason, sometimes claims are denied for little or no reason.
If you need to have a conversation with your insurance company, always be mindful of what you say. Never agree to give a formal statement or sign any documents without speaking with an attorney first. Be aware that seemingly innocent comments, like “the accident occurred on a nice, sunny day,” can be misconstrued to make the accident seem like your fault because you were blinded by the sun.
Additionally, never agree to take a settlement for your claim without speaking to your lawyer. Sometimes, just having an attorney on your side will significantly increase the amount of money that your insurance company is willing to provide in a settlement. Other times, you may not be aware that you are entitled to additional compensation like payments for physical therapy or future medical treatment.
If you sign a settlement with your insurance company, you will not be able to change your mind and file a lawsuit later. Before you agree to give up important rights, make sure that you are protected.
Board Certified Personal Injury attorney Bryan Caulfield offers free consultations to injured people and their families. He will evaluate your case, and let you know what your legal options are, whether that means a negotiated settlement or a lawsuit.
Contact Board Certified Personal Injury attorney Bryan Caulfield today.