What Should I Do if I’m Contacted by the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
If you were injured by another driver’s negligence, a call from their insurance company might seem like a great way to speed things along, but in the end, it’s very unlikely to do you any favors. Better understanding the insurance company’s angle can help you better protect your rights – and your rightful compensation – and working closely with an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer from the outset can make a big difference in how favorably your claim is resolved.
The Insurance Company’s Motivation
The insurance company of the driver who caused you to be injured is paid to cover your physical, financial, and emotional losses, but their motivation for calling you is obtaining statements that will go on to damage your claim and limit their liability. In fact, you can count on the representative who gives you a call to be skilled in this arena.
You are not required to make a statement to the other driver’s insurance company, and you are advised not to do so. If the other driver’s insurance company gets you on the phone, however, there’s no reason to panic. Once they’ve identified themselves to your satisfaction, you can share your basic contact information with them, but that’s where things should end. At this point, you can let them know that your car accident attorney will be representing you from here on out.
The Same Goes for Recorded and Written Statements
The insurance rep who calls you is very likely to request a recorded statement, which is a phenomenally bad idea. This is a means of getting chatty with you and slowly drawing out statements that – unbeknownst to you – can harm your claim. The fact is that car accident claims are legally complex matters, and there is no reason to play into the involved insurance company’s hands. Your seasoned car accident lawyer is more than capable of handling the insurance company on your behalf.
While you may think that a written statement is a safer bet, it isn’t. Ultimately, the insurance company is going to read something into everything you share, which is why you shouldn’t record or write a statement unless your trusted car accident attorney has given you the go-ahead and has carefully guided you through the process.
Your Legal Damages
If you’re injured by another driver’s negligence, such as distraction, excess speed, or impairment, obtaining fair compensation in each of the following categories is critical:
- Property damage to your car
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
The involved insurance company is well prepared to limit your compensation in whatever way it can, but your savvy car accident lawyer has the experience, legal insight, and resources to secure a just settlement that covers your losses in their entirety.
Consult with an Experienced Charleston Car Accident Attorney Today
The focused Charleston car accident lawyers at John Price Law Firm harness the full force of our imposing legal skill in the purposeful defense of our valued clients’ rights, and we’re here for you, too. For more information about what we can do to help, please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 843-552-6011 and schedule a free consultation today.