After a car accident, you can expect the other driver’s insurance company to reach out. Sometimes, that call comes within days, or even hours, of the crash.
Unfortunately, when you’re injured or trying to process what happened, you might not feel like discussing the incident. When they reach out, there are plenty of questions that come to mind:
Should you talk to the other driver’s insurance company? Are you required to discuss the incident with the other driver’s insurer, and what could happen if you do?
Insurance companies have interests different from yours. Here is what you can do to handle that conversation.
Why the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Calls
The goal of the other driver’s insurance company is to protect its policyholder. That means they want to limit how much the company has to pay.
When an adjuster contacts you, they are working to collect information. This helps them evaluate liability and assess potential damages.
Yes, the call may sound friendly and routine. They want to get your side of the story. That may sound harmless, but this conversation is not neutral.
What You’re Not Required to Do
In most situations, you are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. You also should not speculate about what caused the accident. This is not the time to discuss your injuries in detail or agree to a settlement.
Many people think that cooperating will make the process easier or faster. However, providing too much information can create problems, especially if you don’t know the extent of your injuries or how the accident has affected your life.
These Statements Can Be Used Against You
Your words can be misinterpreted, which can hurt your case. Those innocent comments can be taken out of context. For example, saying “I’m feeling okay” after an accident could be used to argue that you were not seriously injured, even if symptoms appear days later.
Once a statement is recorded, it becomes part of the claim file. In turn, that may influence how liability and compensation are evaluated.
Be Wary of Settlement Offers
Many times, insurers reach out to explore early settlement options. When you are missing work or losing paychecks, these offers can seem appealing. However, early settlements are based on limited information. They may not reflect the full extent of your injuries or future expenses.
Once a settlement is accepted, you waive the right to seek additional compensation. For this reason, you want to be cautious before agreeing to anything or signing documents provided by the other driver’s insurance company.
Communication May Be Necessary
That said, some level of communication may be unavoidable. When it comes to vehicle repairs or property damage, you may need to talk to an insurer. In those cases, make sure to keep the conversations brief and factual. That can help limit potential issues.
Many people choose to direct all communication through their own legal representative. This helps make sure that information is shared appropriately and that your interests are protected throughout the process.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can feel stressful, especially when you’re also focused on recovering. An experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer can relieve some of that pressure.
They will be able to handle communications with the other driver’s insurance company and review any settlement offers. With their assistance, your interests and rights are always protected. You can have someone advocating for you and watch for potential pitfalls.
Don’t Talk to Insurers Without Legal Advice
Should you talk to the other driver’s insurance company? After an accident, you may want to cooperate. But when the other driver’s insurance company calls, consider what’s really at stake.
When you are cautious about what you say, that can help you avoid unnecessary complications with your claim.
At Truslow & Truslow PA, we can help you deal with insurers. We will handle all of the communications and negotiations for you. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your claim.