After a car accident, it’s customary to share your insurance info with the other driver. Your information gets put into the police report, and then everyone can decide whether they want to pursue a claim or injury lawsuit. When it looks like you may make a claim against them, the other driver’s insurance company may reach out to you. This can seem like an innocent conversation, but talking to anyone from this firm is a bad idea. A Prince George’s County car accident lawyer from our firm can tell you why.
Can I Be Forced to Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
You are not required to speak to anyone from another driver’s insurance company. Even if a call seems innocent and the person on the other end just says that they need some information from you, it’s not recommended that you speak to them. They are not on your side.
You also cannot be made to produce any kind of written statement. There’s also no reason to give the insurance company any details about your injuries.
What Are the Hazards of Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
The biggest worry here is that the other driver’s insurance company will try to find some way to blame you for the accident. Say anything that can be used against you and they will make that mistake central to their case. You do not want to jeopardize your chance at claiming compensation simply because you misspoke or were not charitably interpreted.
Should I Take a Settlement Offer From the Insurer?
No. This is another hazard of talking to another driver’s insurance company. They may try to get you to settle. This can be tempting, especially if the offer sounds like a lot of money.
Here’s the problem though. The insurance company does not care about your expenses. It only cares about its own. The settlement is meant to help them escape this situation for as little money as possible. If you later find out that your injuries are more serious than you thought and that you need more money after your settlement has run out, that’s too bad. You cannot pursue the insurance company for more money once you have accepted their settlement offer.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Instead of talking to the other driver’s insurance company, refer them to your lawyer. Handling communications on your behalf is one of their jobs. A lawyer from our firm can also prepare you for testimony and help you avoid any rhetorical pitfalls.
Schedule a Case Consultation
So if you have been injured in a car accident, contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. and schedule a free case consultation. We want to hear more about your situation and we want to help you fight for fair compensation.
