If you’ve been in a car accident, you will likely (and understandably) be upset and confused about what to do next. It is during this vulnerable time in a victim’s life that the at-fault party’s insurance company often shows up. But should you speak with the claims adjuster who contacts you?
In most cases, it is not a good idea to talk to the insurer before you speak with an experienced Arizona car accident law firm. The legal team at the Gill Law Firm explains what you need to know.
Insurance Companies Are Looking Out For Themselves
The claims adjuster who calls you may sound friendly and sympathetic over the phone, and start asking you questions about the accident and your condition. This should immediately raise a red flag because the insurers are looking out primarily for their own interests. Insurance companies are for-profit companies, and ultimately their profits depend on how many valid claims they can underpay or deny.
After you have been in an Arizona car crash, expect to receive a phone call pretty shortly. The adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement. Regardless of the reasons they give you, however, this is never a good idea because:
- The law does not require you to give a recorded statement
- Not giving a recorded statement does not allow the insurer to engage in bad faith practices
- The insurer will almost certainly use whatever you say about the accident against you
- You likely do not have all the facts about your own injuries or the cause of the accident
How should you respond to the adjuster calling you? It’s a good idea to either not answer the phone or, if you do, inform the adjuster you have an Arizona car accident attorney you need to speak with first. If the insurance company tries to pressure you or ask you questions anyway, politely decline and hang up.
Remember, there’s a strong possibility you do not yet understand the full extent of your injuries or your property damage, or why and how the accident happened. But if you give a statement to the insurer, anything you say will probably come back to haunt you.
What About My Own Insurance Company?
Generally speaking, you should report the accident to your own insurance company. In fact, your policy probably requires this. However, you should limit what you say to the basic facts that you know for sure.
Your own insurance company is still a for-profit business and will try to deny your claim if it can. If the adjuster begins asking questions about your injuries or how the accident happened, it’s time to speak with an attorney who is experienced with Arizona car crashes.
How Our Law Firm Can Help With Insurance
When you retain the Gill Law Firm to represent you, we handle all communications with the insurance companies. This includes negotiating for the settlement amount that you deserve or taking your case to court if the insurers refuse to negotiate in good faith. We also assist with investigating the cause of the accident, determining who was at fault for it, and acquiring the evidence you need to make a compelling case for monetary damages.
There is much to risk by speaking with the insurance companies without legal counsel. Don’t jeopardize your own case and cheat yourself out of the compensation you deserve. Connect with the Gill Law Firm today to begin working on your Arizona car accident claim.