When you get into an accident, the last thing you want to do is talk to your insurance company about it, but you have to – it’s the law in most states. Luckily, there are certain things you can do to make this conversation easier and less stressful for both you and the insurance agent you are speaking with. This guide will teach you how to talk with any insurance company about a car accident and ensure that you get everything you need from the situation without feeling like your personal rights were violated.
If you are unsure of where to start, contact the personal injury attorneys at Willoughby Shulman Injury Law today. Our experienced attorneys will help you navigate the complicated process of dealing with an insurance company following an auto accident.
Getting in Touch with Your Insurance Company
It’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a car accident. You should let them know what happened, when and where it happened, and whether or not there were any injuries. It’s also important to get the contact information of any witnesses. If you have a personal injury lawyer, you may want to have them handle the communication with the insurance company.
What Information Do You Need?
It is important to be prepared with information about the car accident before talking to an insurance company. This includes knowing the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses. You should also be aware of your own injuries and damages. It is also helpful to have a copy of the police report. If you have hired a personal injury lawyer, you may want to have them present during any conversations with the insurance company.
Setting up a Meeting
You should always consult with a personal injury lawyer before setting up any kind of meeting with an insurance company. This is because insurance companies are looking out for their own interests, not yours. Your lawyer will help you understand what to say and what not to say in order to protect your rights.
When You’re Ready to Present Your Case
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make after being in a car accident. Your lawyer will know how to talk to insurance companies and get you the best possible settlement. Here are some tips on what to do (and not do) when talking to an insurance company
What if They Refuse to Pay?
If you were not at fault for the accident and the other driver’s insurance company refuses to pay, your next step is to file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurance company will then investigate the accident and, if they find that you were not at fault, will pay for your damages. A personal injury attorney should be able to assist with the process of communicating with the insurance companies, negotiating a payout, and ensuring that you are properly compensated by the insurance company.
Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney?
If you’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering if it’s worth hiring a car accident attorney. The answer is: yes. Even if the accident was minor and there was no property damage or injuries, an attorney can help ensure that you are not taken advantage of by any party. Additionally, if the accident was more serious, or if you’re not sure who was at fault, then an attorney will be able to go to bat for you as it is likely that the insurance company will try to deny the claim or say that the accident was 50/50.
Be Careful About What You Say, It Could Put Your Case at Risk
When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to be careful about what you say to the other driver’s insurance company. If you’re not careful, you could inadvertently say something that puts your case at risk. Here are some things to keep in mind when talking to an insurance company after a car accident
What NOT to say to your insurance company
- What happened to cause the accident
- Who caused the accident
- What you did do before the accident
- Any injuries you may have
- If you believe you do not have any injuries
- Any other details of the accident, your injuries, or other damage
What information should you give your insurance adjuster?
- Your name
- The names of others involved in the crash
- The date and time of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The insurance company of the other driver
- The make and model of cars involved