The aftermath of a car accident is often a whirlwind of medical appointments, vehicle repairs, meetings with attorneys, and other responsibilities to ensure you are cared for and that your claim proceeds smoothly. With all of this activity going on, it can be difficult to keep track of what your responsibilities are and the best way to complete legal processes. In the midst of this, being contacted by the other driver’s insurance company can catch you off guard.
Injury victims often feel obligated to speak to the other driver’s insurance company after a car accident. You may also be under the impression that speaking to them will help your claim. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Speaking to the other driver’s insurance company can actually hurt your case — it is best to avoid doing so without further guidance from an attorney.
What to Do if You Are Contacted by the Other Driver’s Insurance Provider
If you are contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, you should politely decline their call. Then, contact your attorney. Depending on the details of your case, it may be best to reschedule a call with them for another time when your lawyer can participate. Or, another path may be best for your case. You may be advised not to speak with the other driver’s insurance company at all.
Although a conversation with the other driver’s insurance company may seem innocent enough, insurance providers often have their own agenda in mind when they contact you. They will try anything they can to find a reason to pin liability on you, instead of their policyholder. For this reason, you should have an experienced attorney who is familiar with the tactics of insurance companies.
Never Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company
In some cases, an insurance company may ask for a recorded statement from the injured party. This may seem like a good way to establish your story, and may seem like a better option than speaking with the insurance company directly. However, this is not true. Providing a recorded statement can be just as harmful as speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer. In all cases, it is best to ask your attorney for guidance when dealing with insurance providers.
Contact Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C.to discuss the details of your car accident case. We will handle the legal processes so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
If you are interested in speaking with our legal team, send us a message or call (603) 288-1403 to schedule a free consultation with our attorneys.