What To Say And Not To Say To Insurance Companies

If you talk to anyone about an auto accident, stop and consider that everything you say can be used against you to reduce the compensation you are entitled to receive for your damages. Even worse, there is the possibility that you will falsely get the blame for causing an accident that is not your fault. Before speaking to anyone about an accident, especially anyone from an insurance company, call your attorney at (281) 475-4535 to get a free consultation.

Do not talk to anyone from the insurance company on the phone or in-person without your attorney present. For most communications with an insurance company, it is far better to let your attorney handle them than to be involved and say the wrong thing. A person may trick you with innocent-sounding questions that force you to give a certain answer, such as “You had those small pains before the accident, right?”

For example, if you tell someone “I’m sorry,” this may be interpreted incorrectly as an admission of guilt for causing the accident.

If you have an auto accident and not going to the hospital for your injuries, it is better to call your attorney from the accident scene to get guidance on what to do.

Insurance Adjusters are Not Your Friend

Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are not your friend. An insurance adjuster’s job is to pay as little as possible for an accident claim. They may use many psychological techniques to try to trick people into settling for less than they should receive. They know well what a typical case will settle for because they do these analyses all the time. They will try to offer you half or one-third of the true value.

An insurance adjuster may make false assertions that everything should be quick and you should accept an amount without going to the trouble to be represented by competent legal counsel.

Another problem with settling too soon for a smaller amount is some injuries do not show up as problems until much later after an accident. If you have already signed a settlement agreement and this happens, you may suddenly be stuck with serious medical bills. You do not deserve to be unsupported for something caused by the accident that came up as a delayed reaction.

Settlement Amounts May Be Higher with the Help of an Attorney

Research studies of settlement amounts in personal injury cases show that the payments are significantly higher (up to three times) if an attorney is involved. Attorneys get much higher settlements on average when compared to people who represent themselves. It is always better to have the representation of an attorney in complex legal matters.

The attorney works for you and does not get paid until a settlement is made. The attorney has the strongest interest in defending your rights, unlike anyone from the insurance company that only wants to get away with paying you as little as possible.

If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, call (281) 475-4535 for a free consultation.