What Should I Say to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After an Accident?
Getting involved in a car accident can leave you confused and unsure of the steps to take. While you may want to focus on getting better, the other driver’s insurance company may not give you that space. They might constantly call, requiring you to answer questions about the accident.
If this happens to you, you should be prepared and informed on how to respond. How you handle the situation can significantly affect your case, especially if you seek compensation. It would be in your best interest to talk to Christian personal injury and family law lawyers in Tulsa for legal guidance before saying anything.
Do I Have to Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
You’re under no legal obligation to speak to the insurance company of the other driver, especially if there’s a likelihood that you or the other party will file a claim. If you talk to them, you might give information that might contradict your earlier statement, ruining the chances of recovering damages.
Insurance adjusters are always looking for loopholes or anything to shortchange claimants. They might use whatever you say against you, so it’s advisable not to talk to them. Your best bet is to consult Christian car accident lawyers in Tulsa for legal counsel. They can also speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
What If the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Keeps Calling Me?
If you get persistent calls or emails from the other driver’s insurance company, it’s in your best interest to remain calm. Likewise, inform your Tulsa Christian personal injury and family law attorneys. You may also tell the callers to contact your insurance company if they need more information concerning the accident.
One more thing that may stop the callers is to let them know that you’re handing over your claim to a Tusla car accident attorney. That will deter them from contacting you again.
Who Are You Legally Required to Cooperate with After a Car Accident?
Knowing how far your legal obligation goes after an accident is crucial and in your best interest. Your insurance policy and specific state laws determine your responsibility. You are required to talk to the following:
Law Enforcement Officers Who Come to the Accident Scene
You’re expected to provide your driver’s license, insurance information, and vehicle registration to law enforcement officers at a minimum. They may also ask you a few questions about the accident and what transpired to enable the police to prepare a report on the accident. This is crucial in all insurance claims.
Unless you might be facing criminal charges regarding the accident, for example, driving under the influence, you’ll need to answer the questions.
Other Parties Involved in the Accident
Traffic laws require you to remain at the accident scene after it happens and exchange crucial information with the parties involved. For example, you need to collect their contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance coverage details and furnish them with yours. All the same, keep the conversation at a minimum and be careful about what you say.
Your Insurance Company
The accident may require coverage from your insurance company. Therefore, your contract requires you to notify your insurer of the accident within a reasonable time. You must also cooperate with the investigator from your insurance company.
However, even as you talk to your insurance company, remember that they’re not your friend and may not always be on your side. While you want to be honest and straightforward, they could look for reasons not to pay you the total compensation amount. Avoid giving unnecessary details and instead ask the company to refer to the police report if the crash was severe.
When Is it a Good Idea to Speak with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
Under exceptional circumstances, you may make a “third party car insurance claim” directly with the other driver’s insurance company. For example, if the other driver was at fault and their insurance company has agreed to compensate you for the damage, you may need to talk to them. However, that should be under the legal counsel of Christian car accident lawyers.
In such a case, you need to provide the documents related to your claimed losses and allow the insurance to get access to your car accident-related medical records. At this point, liability for the accident shouldn’t be in dispute. However, remember that the insurance company still doesn’t have your interests in mind.
Ideally, your Tulsa Christian car accident attorney or a representative from your car insurance company should handle the intricate details of the accident, for example, the legitimacy of your treatment and the extent of the injuries. If you must be the one to give the details, be careful what you say or only speak in the presence of your attorney.
Tips When Talking with the Other Driver’s Car Insurance Company
When talking to insurance company representatives, always remember that they aim to pay as little as possible. They want to look for faults in your statement to have a reason not to compensate you for the amount you deserve.
If you must talk to them, remember the following:
- Don’t apologize or make statements about your role in the accident
- Don’t discuss how bad your injuries are or how you’re feeling
- Only answer the questions asked, briefly
- Don’t guess or speculate answers
- Never agree to a settlement over the phone
- Don’t give a written statement, and don’t let them record you
Get Legal Guidance When Approached with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurance company may try to contact you after a car accident to hear your version of the story. They could distort any information they collect from you to justify why you don’t deserve the total compensation amount. If you’re unsure what to say, your best bet is to consult Christian car accident attorneys in Tulsa for guidance.
Our law firm hosts skilled and passionate car accident lawyers with a godly sense of justice. We can fight aggressively to help you recover damages for injuries sustained in a car accident. Don’t agree to go to battle alone because having legal representation increases your chances of getting the total compensation amount. Call us today to protect your right to full compensation.
