Being in a car accident is a traumatic event, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Initially, you may wonder if you should call the insurance company. Often, this is what the insurer tells you to do in the event of an accident: call them immediately to let them know.
While you may feel like notifying your insurance company is the right thing to do. Doing so can help you can get your claim started right away. However, if you haven’t spoken with your legal representative. It can harm your potential for recovering the full compensation. Ideally, they want you to call them before you have information that may protect you.
Should I Call the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
This is a relatively simple question with a simple answer. The answer is no. If you were just in a car accident. You should not call your insurance company before speaking with a legal representative.
First, after a car accident, your system is likely flooded with adrenaline. Adrenaline can cause diminished critical thinking and hide the pain from injuries. Second, you’ll be on a recorded line when you call, no matter who your insurer is or where they’re located. Finally, not only will your insurance company have no obligation to help you or act in your best interest. They will actively try to trap you or coerce you into saying things that can damage your claim.
Why Shouldn’t I Talk to The Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
There are three main reasons why you should not speak to your insurance company or their adjusters until you’ve spoken to a personal injury attorney.
They Will Record You in A Vulnerable State
When you call any insurance company or adjuster. No matter who they are or where their office is located, you’ll call a recorded line. This makes everything you say an official statement, which they will try to use against you later.
If you call from the scene of the accident or shortly after. They will try to coax you into saying things that can be used during negotiations later. This is particularly dangerous since you’ll likely be full of adrenaline. This can cause your mind to be in several different places at once. Making it harder for you to focus on what you’re saying. If your case goes to trial. They will admit your recordings into evidence during discovery. This evidence is exactly what they can use against you in the courtroom.
In some cases, they will call you a day or two after the accident under the guise of “seeing how you’re doing.” While they will act concerned about your health and well-being. They are hoping that when they ask you how you feel, you’ll say something like “a little better” or “I’m doing ok.” These may seem like harmless pleasantries but that is not the case at all. They will use these statements against you to make it seem like you were doing just fine.
They Have No Obligation to Help You
Insurance companies, and even your own insurer. Have no obligation to act in your best interest. Their only obligation is to their shareholders or investors. It is their job to bring them the largest profit or returns they can.
To help them achieve their goals. They have teams of attorneys and adjusters who will actively work against your claim. This is their entire job, and they do it hundreds or even thousands of times each month. Saving their employers millions of dollars in potential settlements.
Their Goal Is to Pay You as Little as Possible
The adjusters’ job is to pay out as little as possible on a per-claim basis. This means that no matter your situation. They will try their hardest to make it seem like you are asking for too much money. As well as make it seem like your injuries are not as serious as you, your attorney, and your doctor claims they are.
Trust The Devkota Law Firm to Advocate for You
The most important phone call you can make after a car accident is to a personal injury attorney. They will work tirelessly as your personal advocate or expert negotiator. Your attorney will be your point of contact when the insurer needs to speak to anyone. To discuss your injuries and damages in confidence. Reach out today to a member of the Devkota Law Firm and let us help you get started on your claim.
