Should I speak with the other person’s insurance company after a car wreck?
A Houston car accident attorney will understand how difficult the legal process can be following a car wreck. Regardless of fault, the other party’s insurance company may reach out to you. This is because they want to gather additional information about your case, but also so that they can frame what happened in a light that works best for them. For these reasons, it is best for you to direct those insurance adjusters to an experienced car accident lawyer like Andrew Cobos.
When you discuss the accident with the liable party’s insurance representative, you risk jeopardizing your compensation for damages. No matter how clear fault may seem, insurance companies want to minimize payouts. Some may even try to shift fault to you, depending on how you speak about the collision.
With our car accident legal team, you gain advocates who take on the burden of these matters for you. Call us today to schedule a free consultation, and don’t speak to anyone about the accident aside from your doctor and attorney.
You Bear No Obligation to Speak to Other Insurance Companies
There is no Texas law that obligates you to speak to the liable party’s insurance company after a car accident. Instead, seek out legal representation from an experienced Houston car accident attorney like Andrew Cobos.
With our lawyers on your side, we guide you through the process and handle the negotiations on your behalf to pursue your best interests. Let us help you determine when and why it is necessary to speak to insurance representatives.
What to Do
When you sustain a car accident injury, it’s fine to allow the other driver to contact their insurance company. However, your priority is to seek medical care. It is essential that you take care of yourself first. Additionally, a doctor will be able to determine the extent of your injuries and determine a treatment plan. Your Houston car accident attorney can then build a case for damages based upon current and future medical costs.
If possible, at the time of the accident, document the accident scene by taking pictures and obtaining witness information. Also be sure to give a clear, concise statement to the police. However, you should not speak to any insurance providers at this time aside from your own. Even then, they can wait.
That’s why you should work with a car accident lawyer in order to shift the weight of this responsibility. Let our team speak with any insurance companies involved and fight to protect your future.
When Is It Okay to Talk to Insurance Companies?
It’s rare that you would need to engage with another person’s insurance company. If the other driver is at fault and unwilling to participate in the process, you may need to explain your side of the story. However, your car accident lawyer will help you manage this process and make sure you know what to say and what not to say.
Without the other driver’s cooperation, the process can become a bit more complicated. As your lawyers, however, we engage the insurance company on your behalf. If you ever feel the need to talk to another person’s insurance company or feel pressure for them, you can redirect them to your Houston car accident attorney. Once you provide our team’s information, they should no longer contact you directly.
Houston Car Accident Attorney: Tips for Speaking with Insurance Companies
It is important to remember that the liable party’s insurance company wants to lower their payout for your damages. Their team may seek out evidence that shifts liability and fault to you. Should they succeed, it lowers your chances of gaining the compensation you need for proper recovery.
When you talk to an insurance representative, avoid saying anything that may sound like you were at fault. Additionally, do not minimize your injuries. Oftentimes, car accidents result in injuries that reveal themselves after time passes, called latent injuries. That’s why it is key to continue with recommended medical treatments and keep your doctor and car accident lawyer informed.
Be sure that you do not provide any information outside of what the representative asks. Give your account of the car wreck without speculation and try to be confident in your statements. Avoid claims that you cannot prove. If they ask for any critical or sensitive information, be sure to direct them to your car accident attorney.
It’s normal for people to feel overwhelmed after any type of accident. When you enter panic mode, it’s easy to misspeak or let something slip. If you’re in a confused or concussed state, your account of the accident might even change. That’s why it is essential to have a Houston car accident attorney on your side to act as your advocate.