When you are involved in a car accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company is going to contact you. When they do, they will ask you for a variety of documents and information. What many people don’t realize is that you are not required to give them many of the documents they are asking for. In fact, when they contact you, you should tell them that all future contact should be through your personal injury attorney.
While we do not recommend giving any information, there are three things in particular that an insurance adjuster may imply they have a right to. Read on to learn about those things and why you should not volunteer the information they are looking for. Then contact us at 800-333-0000 for your free legal consultation.
- Do Not Give Them a Recorded Statement
- Do Not Sign Anything Giving Them the Right to Access Your Records
- Do Not Give Your Social Security Number
The insurance adjuster is going to ask you for a statement and they are most likely going to ask to record it. Once again, we do not recommend that you give a statement without an attorney present but if you do, you should not agree to have it recorded. The fact of the matter is that even the smallest contradiction between your recorded statement, your statements to the police, and your statements at the time of settlement can be blown out of proportion.
The human memory is not perfect. Weeks after the accident you may estimate that it took place at noon because you were on your lunch break. However, you may have forgotten that it happened on a day when you were taking a late lunch and the accident occurred closer to 2 PM. A savvy adjuster can use that against you to indicate that you are not being honest, despite the fact that it was an honest mistake that was quickly cleared up.
This is a scenario in which the adjuster may come across as doing you a favor. They may tell you that they can save you the time of gathering medical records and other documentation if you will just sign a waiver giving them access. Do not do it. Even if you intend to give them all the documentation that currently exists, you should maintain control over exactly what they can and cannot access.
If you are a recipient of Med-Cal or Medi-Care then you may be required to provide your social security number – be sure to check with your attorney first to verify. In any other situation, there is no reason to provide your social security number to the adjuster. They may say that it’s mandatory. Do not be rude and do not accuse them of anything but do politely decline to give them the information.
If you have questions about how to proceed after a car accident then we urge you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for your free legal consultation. We are here to help ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case.
