Should you speak to the other driver's insurance company after an accident? The short answer, no. After an accident, the first thing individuals typically want to do is report the accident to the insurance companies. It is not prudent to speak with the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with an attorney to understand your rights. Remember - and to most individual's surprise -you have no legal obligation to speak to the other party's insurance company after an accident, and here are some reasons as to why it may not be in your best interest:
You May Reveal Incorrect Medical Information
One of the first questions an insurance adjuster will ask is “Are you hurt?” or “How are you feeling?” Accident claims are largely based on injuries. If you say “I’m okay” or “I’m fine” even though you may be not, the insurance company is going to hone in on those statements in order to devalue your claim.
You May Settle Your Claim For An Improper Amount
Typically, the insurance companies’ primary goal is to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible. Usually, soon after the accident occurs, the other party’s insurance company will try to contact you to get information and may offer you monetary compensation to settle your claim. Although that offer may seem enticing at the time, this offer is very likely to be far lower than what your claim is worth and you could be leaving thousands of dollars, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, on the table. Why accept less than you and your claim are worth?
The Insurance Company May Record You
After an accident, the other insurance company will likely ask for a recorded statement. The recorded statement may record your answers to questions such as:
- Are you hurt?
- What kind of treatment have you had?
- How you had any past accidents?
- How was the accident caused?
- Do you live with anyone else with insurance?
All of these answers will be examined and then ripped apart and dissected in order to build a case against you so they can devalue your claim. You have no legal obligation to make a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. Do not allow yourself and the trauma you have endured to be devalued.
What should you do?
So what should you do if you should not talk to the other driver’s insurance company? You should immediately contact a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney and have them speak to the insurance company for you. A qualified and experienced personal injury attorney will know exactly what information to release to the insurance company in order to properly preserve your claim. At the Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers, we have spoken with insurance companies thousands of times and would be honored to handle them for you. Our results speak for themselves. We know what to say, and in this case, what not to say, in order to maximize your compensation.
Your Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in an accident, call the Personal Injury Attorneys of the Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers immediately. You can contact the Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers anytime at (727) 845-5972 or you can fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form. We have convenient office locations throughout Florida including Port Richey, Tampa (By Appt.), & Zephyrhills. If you can not travel to us, do not worry, we will come to wherever is convenient for you at no cost. Be safe everyone!
