Tips for Talking with Insurance Companies after a Car Accident
You’re bound to have a lot on your mind after an auto accident. Your first priorities should be the health and safety of anyone involved with the crash. Eventually, you can expect a call from the insurance company. Knowing some do’s and don’ts during your conversation with an insurance adjuster can help with the settlement.
The Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL, car accident attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau would like to share some tips for talking with insurance companies after an auto collision. We also recommend speaking with an attorney after your crash for additional information.
Ask the Insurance Rep to Identify Themselves
Before discussing any matters about the accident, be sure to identify who you are speaking with. Get their name, contact number, who they represent, and their business address.
Take Notes of All Discussions
The insurance adjuster’s information isn’t the only thing you should jot down. You should also take notes of all interactions with the insurance company. This information will be helpful when discussing your crash with your lawyer.
Set Boundaries on Phone Calls
Be sure to let the insurance representative know that you’d prefer to communicate primarily through writing, and that phone conversations will only cover a limited amount of information. During phone calls, there’s a risk of providing incomplete or inaccurate information, which the insurance company could use against you later on.
Refuse to Be Recorded
The insurance adjuster may ask if they can record the conversation. You can refuse to have the phone call recorded since you are under no legal obligation to accept recording. Again, any inaccurate or incomplete information during the call can be used against you, so it’s best to decline the offer as you set boundaries on phone conversations.
Provide Factual Information and Answers
Throughout all phone conversations with the insurance company, be sure to keep your answers short, and stick to the facts as much as possible. Do not lie or fabricate any information.
Avoid Admissions of Guilt or Fault
While discussing the incident, do not make apologies or admit fault or guilt. It’s also important to avoid placing blame during this call.
Don’t Discuss the Accident
The insurance company may try to get you to make a statement about the accident and what occurred. When discussing the accident, only provide the time of day, location, type of collision, vehicles involved, and list the witnesses. Other information can be provided later in writing after discussing the matter with an attorney.
Don’t Discuss Your Injuries
Like the collision itself, you shouldn’t discuss injuries and medical conditions over the phone. There’s a risk of omitting information, an additional injury being discovered at a later time, or your current condition deteriorating. Again, this is something that can be discussed with your attorney, with the details offered in print rather than by phone.
Always Keep the Conversations Cordial
Speaking with insurance representatives can be stressful, and you may still be dealing with the effects of the collision. That said, you need to keep all conversations with the insurance company cordial and respectful. Do not lose your temper or take out your frustrations on the adjuster, as that can backfire on you.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you live in the Daytona Beach area and have been involved in an auto collision, the attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help you. Contact our law firm online, or schedule a consultation by phone at (386) 258-7313.
