An insurance representative is one of the first people you speak to after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident. These representatives are trained to talk to you as though they’re your best friend, and after the trauma of a car wreck, it is easy to overshare. However, the insurance company is a business whose ultimate goal is to figure out how much they do not have to pay you.
In fact, it is preferable not to speak to an insurance company representative without first speaking with an experienced motor vehicle crash lawyer.
However, if you decide to speak to the insurance company representative after a car, truck, or motorcycle wreck without first consulting with an experienced and skilled personal injury trial attorney, you need to know what NOT to say.
1. Don’t Admit Fault
Never admit fault when speaking to an insurance company before you’ve spoken with an experienced accident attorney. Even if you believe you caused the wreck, there could be contributing factors outside your control that you don’t know about.
2. Don’t Say You’re Unharmed
When you first speak with your insurance company, don’t tell them that you weren’t injured in the wreck. Many times injuries take several days or even weeks to fully manifest, and you may not know the severity of your injuries right away.
3. Don’t Say More Than You Have To
It’s easy to say too much to your insurance company when speaking about your collision, crash, or wreck. After all, the agents are friendly, and you’ve been through a traumatic experience you need to talk about. Oversharing details, like your speed, state of mind, or road conditions, can give the insurance company reasons to reduce your payout.
The old saying “less is more” is best here.
4. Never Accept the First Offer or a Quick Offer
After a motor vehicle collision, crash, or wreck, you might be concerned about medical bills, the loss of use of your vehicle, and other financial matters. It’s tempting to readily accept when the insurance company offers you a monetary settlement. However, insurance companies make their money by low-balling you. You should always speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting an offer from the insurance company. Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations. Take advantage of that.
Call a Connecticut Car Accident Injury Attorney
Since 1994 I have been representing car, truck, and motorcycle injury victims in New Haven and Fairfield Counties, and I don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of my clients. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car wreck, call me, attorney Jim Miron, at (203) 339-5991 for a free case evaluation today, or contact my office online.