You were hurt in a car accident, and the other driver is at fault. Knowing what you should do after such an accident is critical, including whether or not you should alert your own insurance company to what happened. In short, you should give a statement to your insurance company after an accident as a type of documentation step that could prove vital later. Talk to a Newnan car accident lawyer today.
Hire an Attorney First
Before you file any statement with the insurance company – whether it is your insurance company or the at-fault parties, consult with a car accident attorney. This can prove to be critical. Your attorney will guide you in not just filing a claim but also making statements that protect your rights and minimize any financial losses you have. It is always a good idea to rely on your attorney’s guidance before making any statement or demand for compensation from the insurance companies.
Why Insurance Company Statements Can Be Problematic
Many times, the insurance company seemed helpful and even kind when speaking to you. However, they have a job to do, and that job is to reduce the compensation they pay out. However, what you say in a recorded statement with the insurance company will remain evidence in your case. It does not matter if you give that statement to your insurance adjuster or to the other person’s insurance company. A recorded (or written) statement holds you accountable for those statements.
Sometimes, a simple phrase can be used against you. You may state that you are doing well or that you were out with the kids before taking the call of the adjuster. This information may seem benign, but it can often be used against you later if you claim you cannot walk or that your health is worsening. For these reasons, it is best not to make such statements to the insurance company at all.
Why They Want a Recorded Statement Matters
Insurance companies like to gather data, and the more they have, the more opportunities they have to find holes or missing information that could help them prove they do not have to pay you. These statements are also tools that can be used against you later if your story changes or if you begin to suffer from new pain.
What to Avoid Stating in an Insurance Company Statement
Victims of accidents may need to speak to an insurance company at some point. In doing so, you may need to make a statement that needs to clarify information or data. There are several key things to keep in mind:
- Do not let them record you. Tell them you would prefer for the statement not to be recorded.
- Only provide facts in your case without any speculation on “why” something happened or what the cause is.
- Stay calm and remain collected, and keep your statement short and to the point.
- Always get the contact information for the insurance adjuster, including their name, so you can refer to them later.
- Never apologize for the accident or file a claim.
- Never talk about your injuries to the insurance company – they do not need updates.
- If you do not know the answer to a question they ask you, do not answer it.
Taking these steps can help to protect your future from mistakes. Avoid speaking to insurance companies at all by hiring a personal injury attorney in Newnan to guide you.