Should I Speak to the Other Drivers Insurance After an Accident?
After a crash, you might get a call from the other driver’s insurance company within just a day or two. Agents move fast because they want your first version of events, and they often hope to settle for less before all the facts come out. Many people aren’t sure if they have to talk to the other side’s insurer or what they’re supposed to say. The truth is, you’re not required by California law to speak right away, and you don’t have to give a recorded statement when asked.
Anything you say too soon, especially if you’re shaken up or still unclear on what caused the crash and what your injuries are, could later be used to challenge your account or lessen your payout. Taking some time to gather your thoughts and, when possible, talking to a Roseville auto accident lawyer first, can protect your rights and help your claim stay strong.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps Handle Insurance Communications
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be overwhelming and can lead you to say something you don’t mean or accept an offer that isn’t fair. Here’s how a t-bone accident lawyer in Roseville can help you in these situations:
Speaks on Your Behalf
Your lawyer becomes the point of contact, so you don’t have to face calls, letters, or questions directly from insurance adjusters. This ensures accurate information is shared and prevents you from accidentally saying something that could be held against you. It also reduces stress, as you aren’t constantly worried about what to say to the adjuster. You can focus on healing instead.
Calculates Expenses and Negotiates the Settlement
Personal injury lawyers from Rosenthal Law in Roseville know how to determine what a fair offer is. They’ll calculate your losses and make sure any offer considers them, including current and future expenses, as well as intangible losses that relate to how your life has been negatively affected since the accident. When offers are too low, your lawyer pushes back and fights for more.
Protects You From High-Pressure Tactics
Insurance carriers might try to question you in ways that lower your payout. Your lawyer shields you from intimidation and makes sure you don’t get pressured into accepting less than what you need and may be entitled to under the law. The reality is that insurance companies tend to take you more seriously when you have a lawyer, so it’s always a good idea to reach out for legal help right away.
Common Insurance Company Tactics to Watch For
Insurance companies often seem friendly when they first reach out to you, but their job is to pay as little as possible on claims. After an accident, it helps to recognize some of the tactics they use, so you don’t fall into these traps.
Quick, Low Settlement Offers
Early on, you might receive a settlement offer that seems tempting, especially if you have bills stacking up. These first offers are often much lower than your claim is worth and rarely reflect the costs you’ll face down the line.
Challenging the Extent of Your Injuries
Insurance companies might claim that your injuries are not as serious as you say or insist they resulted from something other than the accident. Sometimes, they ask for lots of extra medical records, hoping to find reasons to cut the payout.
Delaying the Process
Adjusters sometimes stretch things out, dragging out communication in hopes you’ll settle for less just to finish the process quickly. These delays add frustration, especially when your expenses keep growing.
Staying aware of these insurance company moves can help you avoid making mistakes in your Roseville drunk driving accident case. If you have questions, call our legal team today to schedule a free case consultation.