While many people are aware that speaking with police officers after being arrested can be risky, many more are unaware that speaking with an insurance company after an accident can be equally perilous. While you are unlikely to face jail time if you waive your right to remain silent, speaking the wrong thing at the wrong moment can result in a significant financial loss.
Unfortunately, insurance firms are well aware of this and will go to considerable efforts to force victims to accept unfair settlements. Keep reading to learn the main reasons you should not talk to an insurance agent after a car accident and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
1. You can unintentionally say too much
The majority of people are honest and open, and will readily answer inquiries. Insurance investigators frequently use this propensity by asking the victim leading questions in order to get the desired reaction. You could accidentally say something that hurts your case without even realizing it.
2. Your statements could be used by the insurance company to deny your claim
Insurance companies have been known to dismiss claims based on the victim’s own statements. This typically occurs when the victim assures onlookers that he or she is “fine.” Even a seemingly benign comment could persuade the insurance company that you were not injured in the collision and instead developed your injuries afterwards.
3. It’s possible that the insurance company will argue that you weren’t as badly hurt as you claim
Another common insurance company approach is to imply that, while you were hurt, your injuries were not as serious as you claimed. This is frequently due to your refusal of medical treatment at the scene or your unwillingness to follow through on all aspects of your doctor’s recommendations. While this may seem little to you, it could be used against you by an insurance provider.
4. In the future, you may be denied treatment that you require
Insurance companies will occasionally contact victims to “check in” on them, only to use the information gathered to deny future medical treatment. It’s critical that you never disclose your ongoing medical issues with anybody other than your doctor and attorney.
5. You might agree to a claim settlement that is far too low
When insurance firms try to rush a low settlement offer, the most typical issue is that they deny victims their rights. Insurers know that if they offer a victim a seemingly attractive settlement immediately, he or she will be tempted to accept it. Although the victim may not realize it, this amount is frequently a fraction of the claim’s actual value.
If you have been injured in a car accident or other accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney before you talk to any insurance company. You can do so by calling The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
