Following a car accident, you may be hesitant to contact your insurance company, regardless of whether you are or are not at fault. However, it is always recommended that you do contact your insurance provider to at least notify them that the accident occurred. This is not to say you need to file a claim at that time, but it is important that you give them notification that something did occur. What do you tell your insurance company, then, following an accident?
We have asked attorney Alaina Sullivan about what you should do. Here is what she had to say:
Be Limited in Your Information
But they are my insurance company. Why should I worry about telling them too much? Should they not be on my side? Yes, this is true. They are your insurance provider, but they are also a business. As a business, they have a bottom line to protect, and while you may be a client/customer, you also could cost them a great deal of money. You will want to be careful with what you say to protect yourself from being released as a customer, from having your rates increase, or from admitting fault, amongst other things.
Do Not Admit Fault
Never make any statements that would indicate that you are at fault. This goes without saying when you are talking with the other driver or the other driver’s insurance company, but keep this mantra in mind when speaking with your own insurance provider.
No Health or Wellbeing Statements
You should expect them to ask you about your health and how you are doing emotionally following the accident. Do not be too open when answering these questions. Many injuries do not even manifest until weeks after the accident, and they are going to want to tie you down to what injuries you have to begin the process of crafting a settlement offer. Make sure you are seen by your doctor and are thoroughly examined before you even begin discussing what health issues you may have as a result of the accident.
Resist Making a Record Statement
When you are dealing with the other party’s insurance provider, it is often said that you should refuse to make a record statement or an official statement, at that. The same should go with your own provider. During that initial conversation, you are at the beginning of understanding the injuries you may or may not have sustained from the accident. You may still be in shock. At that point, you are in no position to make any official statement that will bind you throughout later settlement negotiations. If they do insist on recording your statement, ask them why and request that this be scheduled at a later date, allowing you to collect your thoughts or even speak with an attorney before meeting to give the statement.
What Do I Say?
Provide them with relevant information they would need, giving basic details such as where the accident occurred, what time the accident occurred and whether the police were called. If you have a police report, you could always provide that at this time. Also, provide them information about the other party involved in the car accident.
While you should be limited in what you state, do not be argumentative or adversarial with your insurance provider. You do want them to work with you and help protect your rights as best they can, and they will be less inclined to do this when you are battling them every step of the way. Keep that initial conversation polite and civil. Be honest and do not hide any facts, but do not be as forthcoming as you would a friend you are meeting for coffee. Keep your wits about you, and when in doubt, speak with a personal injury attorney beforehand who can advise you on what not to say.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you have been in a car accident and are not sure what to tell your insurance company following the wreck, it is always recommended you contact an attorney today to discuss your case if you do not currently have a lawyer or have any questions. A licensed personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim against the other party’s insurance company. To receive the compensation for your medical bills, property damages, and pain and suffering, you should speak with a personal injury attorney in your area today.
