What to Know Before You Talk to an Insurance Company About Your California Car Accident
Car accidents are traumatic events that can leave you confused, hurt, and worried about how to pay for auto repairs, cover lost wages, and pay medical expenses. This means you are vulnerable when you inevitably start getting calls from representatives for insurance companies and could potentially say or do the wrong thing, depriving yourself of valuable compensation or devaluing your personal injury claim. Here are a few things to remember when you pick up the phone and an insurance representative is on the line.
Get Their Information
If you need to refer to the conversation down the road, you’ll want to have details about the call for reference. Get the name, phone number, and name of the insurance company for whom the representative works. Be sure to make a note of the date and time of the call.
Limit the Information You Provide
If speaking to a representative of your own insurance company to report the accident, remember they do not need a great deal of details related to your life or your finances. Generally, the only information they need during the initial call is:
- A collision took place
- You were involved
- Property was damaged
- The other driver provided you with their auto insurance information
- Your name, address, and number
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
It’s common for insurance companies to ask for an official statement about what happened or permission to record the call. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company representative until you have spoken to a lawyer. Any misstatements, inconsistencies, or omissions can damage your credibility and impact the value of your case. You have the right to decline to provide a recorded statement.
Be Careful Not to Make Damaging Statements
It’s important not to say anything that could be twisted or misconstrued as you admitting fault. When speaking to the insurance company:
- Wait until you are calm and are not confused when you discuss the crash
- Don’t admit fault or say you’re sorry
- Don’t say you are fine or weren’t hurt
- Do not agree to a quick settlement or sign any papers waiving your insurer’s liability
Speak to a California Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, you should contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Daneshrad Law to ensure you don’t unknowingly say or do things that can harm the value of your case and the amount you may recover. California personal injury attorney Alan Daneshrad has years of experience advising and representing injury victims like you, recovering millions in compensation for their injuries. The attorneys at Daneshrad Law have the skill you want when deciding on an attorney to handle your case. Call us toll-free at (888) 881-3529 to schedule a no-obligation initial case review today. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing until we win your case. Let us evaluate your situation and answer your questions.
