A car crash can be a scary experience. Once it is over, you will need to call your insurance company to sort out any damages to your vehicle. However, if you are involved in a car crash, you will also need to get the other person’s insurance information. As the other person’s insurance company is likely to contact you as well. It is important that you are prepared for this call so that you are not manipulated out of a case or compensation if it is not your fault. Read on to learn more tips from a trusted car accident lawyer.
If possible, you should write down the conversation during the call. If you cannot jot it down during the call, get to paper as fast as you can afterward and write down everything you remember.
Having your record of what happened can keep you from getting scammed by an insurance company. Have proof of the actions you took and the words that were said.
You should never allow the insurance company to record your words. There is a high chance that they will alter your speech, making it harder for your case.
Ensure that they do not record you by asking them not to do so. Avoiding this will help if you mess up your words or record details incorrectly.
Know who you are speaking to so you can work with that person later if an issue arises. There are a few things you should ask them and take down on the phone.
You might ask this individual for:
Once you have this information, you have a way to report them if something goes wrong. Asking who the person is vital to be able to build a case.
Insurance companies do not need to know all of your personal information. There are only a few items that you should give them if they call.
These include:
It is not necessary to provide anything beyond that.
If they push for more, kindly inform them that you do not need to provide these items. The less information they have about you, the less they can use against you.
When describing the car crash, stick to the simple details. Do not go more into depth than that to avoid your description being taken and used against you.
You can tell them about:
This information is all you should give them. If they push more, inform them that the case is pending. These people do not need to know more than that.
Taking an initial offer almost always guarantees that you are not getting enough to cover your damages. If they offer you an amount right away, do not take it.
By holding out, you will ensure that:
Never take a settlement offer over the phone.
Car and medical repairs can be costly. Do not get scammed into taking less than you deserve by agreeing to an offer over the phone.
Lastly, remember to stay calm. Avoiding losing your cool can keep everything cordial for this short call. It is easy to get angry after an accident. Before answering, take a deep breath and focus. All will be okay if you use these tips to prepare.
Car crashes are scary and it can be hard to stay calm in these situations, but know that we are there to support you in your time of need. A car accident lawyer can help you with your next best steps and provide you with significant stability and support during these troubling times. Get in touch with a car accident lawyer who will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call today to get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer.