In the aftermath of an accident that causes a personal injury, the responsible party’s insurance company will call you for information. Most personal injury attorneys recommend that you avoid having those conversations without legal representation.
There are several reasons why you should avoid talking with insurance companies on your own.
Insurance companies often under-offer on settlements
When the insurance company calls, that conversation typically leads to a settlement offer. When you talk with the insurance company alone, they often short the offer in the hopes of settling the case for less than they otherwise would. Remember that the insurance company’s goal is to save as much money as they can.
You might say the wrong thing
Without any experience in settlement discussions and negotiation, you might find that you accidentally say something to the insurance company that could harm your claim. Even a subtle interpretation of guilt or a mistake in a statement could call your entire claim into question.
Insurance adjusters are not your friends
The adjuster from the insurance company may start a conversation giving the impression that they are trying to help you or are your friend. They are not your friends and anything you say becomes a factor in your claim.
Every conversation you have with the insurance company affects the settlement of your claim. If you want the best chance at a fair and reasonable settlement, avoid talking with the insurance company by yourself. Be willing to counter those offers to get a fair settlement.