Your car accident claim starts by making a report to your insurance company. However, it can be hard to know what to say. You want to convey the necessary information without saying something accidentally to damage your claim. Our car accident attorneys know how important it is to give the correct information.
Here are the dos and don’ts of talking to your insurance company after a car accident in Atlanta.
DO – Remain Claim
A car accident is a stressful event. It can be easy to take that stress into the conversation with the insurance company. Take a deep breath, and remain calm. The purpose of any discussion with the insurance company is to convey information. Stay calm and try to convey the information in a factual manner.
DON’T – Give Details of Your Injuries
It can be tempting to tell the insurance adjuster all about your injuries. However, you don’t know what they are yet. When you first talk to the insurance representative, tell them only that you have injuries. Say that they are under investigation, and you will document them later. Disclosing your injuries too soon can limit you in the future and result in settlement offers that are too low and incomplete.
DO – Keep Records and Take Notes
Documentation is vital in any car accident claim. Keep records and take notes of every conversation with an insurance representative. Document when you speak to an insurance representative and take notes of what you talk about.
DON’T – Settle Too Early
The insurance company may offer a quick settlement. It can be tempting to accept it quickly. However, it’s important to fully value your claim before agreeing to any resolution. Be sure you know what your claim is worth, thoroughly explore your damages and then go about resolving it. An attorney can help you determine if a settlement is fair.
DO – Know Who You’re Speaking To
Anytime you speak to an insurance representative, ask for the name and contact details of the person you are speaking to.
DON’T – Say Too Much
The insurance company may try to build trust. They may be friendly and talk about how they’re ready to help you. While it may seem well-intentioned, they may be trying to get more information to find something to use against you. Don’t chat with the insurance company representative or offer unrelated details about your life.
DO – Learn What Your Claim is Worth
To receive fair compensation for your legal claim, you need to know what it is worth. An attorney can help you understand legal fault, the compensation you can receive, and what you should settle your case for.
DON’T – Agree to Recording
If the insurance company asks to record your conversation, say you can’t agree to that. The reason is that you may not have all the information immediately after the accident. You don’t want to be locked into a statement when you are still investigating and pursuing your claim.
DO – Ask for Next Steps
It’s important to hear from the insurance company what they want you to do. Ask them what the next steps are. Not only does this help you know what to do, but it also helps you hold the insurance company accountable for processing your claim quickly and fairly.
DON’T – Assume Fault
After an accident, it can be easy to assume you’re at fault. You may want to say that you’re sorry. However, legal fault isn’t always obvious. Don’t make incriminating statements about who may be at fault for the accident. Comparative fault applies in Atlanta. It may not be clear on the surface who is at fault. Let an experienced attorney help you investigate fault and how it may impact the compensation you deserve.
DO – Give the Basics
The insurance company needs the basic details of the accident. They need to know that you were in an accident, when it occurred and where it occurred. It’s okay to provide the basics and let them know that you’ll follow up later with complete information about injuries damages.
Can an attorney speak to the insurance company on my behalf?
When you have an attorney representing you in your car accident claim, they can speak to the insurance company on your behalf. You don’t have to worry about saying the right things. Our attorneys represent car accident victims, including speaking to the insurance companies. Contact us today to talk about your case.
