Following a motor vehicle accident, you will almost certainly have to deal with at least one insurance carrier. It’s important to provide insurance carriers with honest answers and details about the accident, but not before consulting with a lawyer. Anything you say to the insurance company – especially the other driver’s carrier – can be used against you. A Boston auto accident lawyer can help you determine what to say and how to say it.
When a two-car or multi-car accident occurs, at least two insurance companies will generally be involved. The policy of the at-fault driver usually covers liability for the accident. As such, that carrier will typically send an insurance adjuster to investigate the accident by conducting interviews and evaluating property damage.
There’s No Obligation to Provide the Opposing Insurance Company with a Recorded Statement
If you have been injured by another driver, under no circumstances should you give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Any information you provide is sure to be used against you if you bring a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. Unless the insurance company has obtained a court order requiring you to provide a statement, you have no obligation to speak to them. A MA car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options if you find yourself in this situation. Whatever the circumstances of your case, avoid talking to the opposing insurance company until you’ve consulted with an experienced attorney.
When it comes to your personal policy, however, a recorded statement may be necessary. It’s possible that your carrier will require a recorded statement as evidence of the unique details of your situation, and to confirm that you have obtained appropriate medical care for any resulting injuries. By cooperating with your insurance company, you can help to ensure that timely payments continue. Although it’s relatively uncommon for your personal carrier to request a recorded statement, it does happen. And if it does, a skilled lawyer can help here as well. For example, your attorney can make sure your carrier puts in writing that they will not provide your recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Recorded statements, when given to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, have never been considered helpful to a personal injury case. As such, they should be denied whenever possible. The opposing insurance carrier will have plenty of tricks up its sleeves to reduce the amount of compensation you can get following an accident. Even innocent and seemingly-harmless statements can be twisted and used against you.
Avoid Saying…
Whether you’re talking to the opposing insurance company or your own, there are certain things you should avoid saying:
- It was my fault: Although you may have contributed to the accident, the other driver may also be partially at fault. It is not for you to decide whose fault the accident was. Leave personal opinions out of the conversation.
- I will give an official statement: As discussed above, leave the recorded statements for after you have spoken to your attorney.
- I accept: In most cases, initial settlement offers are significantly lower than what the victim deserves. Consult with an attorney before you accept any offer.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Car Accident Attorneys Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been injured in a car accident, the legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. Following an accident, the last thing you want to do is deal with insurance companies. But we don’t mind; we’ve been dealing with insurance companies for over 50 years. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we understand how insurance adjusters think. We will analyze the details of your case and determine the best way to move forward. Our experienced attorneys will ensure that you understand your rights and options, and we will position you for the best possible outcome. If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and other associated costs. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. We can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.