5 Tips for How To Deal With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine revealed about one-third of Americans involved in car accidents suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Physical symptoms, such as nausea, and mental ailments, including anxiety, are common symptoms of PTSD. They can make it difficult to focus on working with a Texas or New Mexico car accident lawyer to file legal claims for car accident injuries.
These symptoms can also lead to you saying something to an at-fault driver’s insurance company following your car crash. You might not necessarily be in the right state of mind to have productive conversations with them. Researching how to deal with insurance companies ahead of time can be incredibly beneficial; here, we’ve provided some tips on how to proceed.
1. Avoid Speaking to an At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company at Length
In the days following a car accident, an at-fault driver’s insurance company might contact you. They may even catch you off-guard when you answer a call from a number you don’t recognize.
There isn’t anything wrong with exchanging pleasantries with an insurance representative. However, you don’t want to spend too much time talking to them. If you do, you could inadvertently admit that you were tired on the day of your accident or that you weren’t feeling great when you got into a crash. Even if you don’t mean to do it, it could end up being a small admission of guilt that can come back to bite you.
2. Refuse To Let an At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company Record Your Conversations
When an at-fault driver’s insurance company calls you, they may ask for permission to record your conversations with them. Insurance adjusters are trained to seek out information that they can use against you. Tell them you don’t feel comfortable with this arrangement.
If you give consent for them to record you, you could potentially provide them with proof that you shoulder some blame for your accident. You’re better off saying, “No, thank you,” when they inquire about recording your calls.
3. Turn Down the Chance To Provide Written Statements
If an insurance company senses you won’t speak with them by phone about your accident, they may ask you to provide them with a written statement. It’s another thing you should not do.
You aren’t legally required to provide a written statement to this insurance company. Abstain from providing them with any kind of statement since your own words could hurt your case later.
4. Steer Clear of Accepting a Lowball Settlement
An at-fault driver’s insurance company may present a settlement offer to you. It may even seem like a fair settlement at first. Many insurance companies will lowball you with their first settlement offer, though, especially if you aren’t working with a lawyer experienced with car accident cases. It’ll prevent you from securing maximum compensation.
5. Hire a Texas or New Mexico Car Accident Lawyer to Communicate With the Company
Hiring a Texas or New Mexico car accident lawyer is one of the smartest things you can do after experiencing a crash. Shortly after you’re involved in a car accident, search for a knowledgeable attorney in your area with a solid reputation.
The right car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation that you can use to pay medical bills, cover property damage costs, and account for lost wages.
Allow Us to Deal With an At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
You have enough to worry about after living through a car accident. Let Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. deal with an at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Call us at 800-433-2408 to schedule a free consultation. We handle car accident cases, wrongful death lawsuits, and more. Speak to a car accident lawyer today.