Car accidents are nerve-racking, to say the least, and if you find yourself involved in a car accident, one of the most important things you can do is know what to say (or NOT to say) to insurance companies. This one piece of advice is perhaps the most important because saying the wrong thing could undermine your legal and financial interests.
Insurance companies do not have your best interest in mind, and you must be very careful about the information you provide them–especially when it comes to legal issues or getting the compensation you deserve. Before speaking with your insurance company, you would be best served by reaching out to a qualified car accident lawyer who is familiar with your area and the laws of your state.
Your Insurance Policy And Your Rights
Understanding basic car insurance terms and your legal rights can help you successfully navigate the aftermath of a car accident.
When you choose car insurance, you set your coverage amounts and deductibles at that time. It’s important to make sure you have the coverage you need, so review your insurance coverage at least once a year.
If you are involved in a car accident, you have the legal right to file a claim and seek financial compensation if you’ve been injured. Reserve these conversations for your automobile accident lawyer.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Speaking With Insurance
We know that emotions run high when car accidents happen, and knowing what NOT to do can be just as helpful as knowing the next right steps.
Don’t get caught making these common mistakes when speaking with insurance companies:
Say you are not hurt or speculate about injuries
Sometimes, injuries (like concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and whiplash) do not show up immediately after the accident. Visiting a doctor and having a professional evaluate your injuries is always safest. Make sure you mention everything that is hurting or causing you pain. Sometimes, the little pains are indications of something bigger and will get worse with time. However, if these little items are not mentioned when your injuries are evaluated, you could lose out on compensation down the road.
Accept your first settlement offer
It’s in the insurance company’s best interest to settle claims as quickly as possible. We caution you against accepting the first settlement claim the insurance company throws over the fence. You may have medical expenses that come up over the course of your recovery and other unforeseen expenses. Always consult with an accident attorney–they can help advise you on how you can get the compensation you deserve.
Admit fault or apologize
Always avoid admitting you were at fault–you may be falsely admitting to fault without even knowing it. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and your memory of the events, especially if you are injured, may not be accurate. Admissions of fault look like “I didn’t see you” or “you came out of nowhere.” Don’t admit that you looked away from the road, ignored road signs, or did anything else that could implicate you. These statements could affect your claim and compensation and could also result in a traffic citation or ticket.
Give an official statement without an attorney present
Once you give an official statement to an insurance company (yours or anyone else’s), that statement will be used for all future proceedings. Insurance companies are notorious for misconstruing words when recording an official statement. It’s better that you wait and make an official statement alongside and with the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable car accident attorney.
Consider your insurance company your friend
Insurance companies invest a lot of time and money in advertising that aims to create a “friendly neighbor” persona. Don’t be fooled by this message. Insurance companies are out to make money, and paying you will negatively impact their bottom line.
Dealing with insurance companies is difficult and intimidating. When an insurance adjuster contacts you, they will ask you a series of questions. These questions aim to gain information to help them build a case against you. Every insurance company is a business, and every insurance adjuster’s goal is to uncover information that could save the company money.
How Our Attorney Services Can Help After An Accident
When it comes to car accidents–don’t leave your recovery and financial compensation to chance. Hale Injury Law stands behind our mission of making a difference in the lives of everyday people. Our attorneys are familiar with the Las Vegas area and the law concerning car accidents, and we can advocate for your best interests, negotiate with insurance companies, and secure the compensation you deserve.
With a skilled attorney at your side, you can confidently determine fault and navigate complex insurance claims with peace of mind as you work towards a full recovery. At Hale, we work hard to gain your trust, and we are 100 percent dedicated to helping our clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact us today! We’ll do all the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing and recovery.