What should I do if I am contacted by an Insurance Company after my car accident?

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In the hours and days following a car accident, chaos and confusion can ensue. You are likely dealing with the auto repair shop if your car has been damaged, driving a rental car, and possibly even being treated for injuries sustained in the accident as well. There are lots of variables to deal with and it can be a difficult task indeed in knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. Of the extensive checklist, you will be confronted with after an accident, one of them is communicating with insurance companies.

Chances are, soon after the accident occurred, you will have contacted your own insurance company. Speaking with them is an important step and a vital one in order to begin the claims process. But what if you are contacted by the other insurance company representing the other driver – what should you do then?

First of all, it is very common for the other party’s insurance company to contact you, and in most cases, they simply want to verify some information. But, because insurance companies wish to limit their liability in any claim, they may start asking additional questions, and even attempt to use the information given against you in the case of a final payout or if a lawsuit is filed. Because of this, it is important to know exactly what to do and what NOT to do if you are contacted by an insurance company after your car accident.

  1. Just the facts – If you do end up speaking with a representative from the other insurance company, just stick to the facts of the accident. You may share information such as where the accident happened, the date and time, and the specifics of your vehicle.
  2. Do not get too personal – An insurance claims adjustor may ask questions pertaining to your personal life and situation, such as where you work, how much money you make, etc. Do not divulge such information, you are in no way obligated to provide this person with any information whatsoever other than the basic facts concerning the accident.
  3. Don’t settle – In some cases, an insurance representative from another company may ask you to sign off on a settlement offer. They may even insist that their offer is the best you can get. Do NOT sign any documents of this kind. If you do sign such a document, you may forfeit additional rights that you may have had pertaining to the accident.
  4. Refuse to be recorded – If you are asked to allow the phone call to be recorded, simply refuse. These conversations can also be used against you to limit any financial compensation you may be eligible for.

If you have been involved in a car accident and you were not at fault, it is recommended that you seek the services of a qualified law firm to help settle the matter. This law firm will act on your behalf to speak with the other insurance company, their attorneys, and work to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.