After a car accident, dealing with insurance can be overwhelming. You might wonder if you’re required to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. Their representatives often contact you quickly, asking questions or requesting a statement. This can leave you unsure about what to say—or if you should respond at all.
The reality is that speaking with the other insurance company might not always be in your best interest. Their goal is to protect their bottom line, not yours. Saying the wrong thing, even by accident, could hurt your claim. This can be especially frustrating when you’re still dealing with injuries, car repairs, or other stresses from the accident.
The good news is you have rights. In many cases, it’s best to let your own insurance company or a car accident attorney handle communication with the other driver’s insurance company. By knowing when to speak up and when to stay quiet, you can avoid common pitfalls and protect your claim.
Am I Required to Give a Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
No, you are not legally required to speak with an insurance representative from the other driver’s insurer. There will be a time when certain information will need to be shared with an adjuster, but you don’t want to jeopardize your claim by saying something compromising by mistake. An attorney can step in and protect your claim so that only relevant information is provided.
What to Do If the Insurance Company Keeps Calling
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can feel overwhelming, especially if they keep calling. Whether it’s your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company, their representatives may be persistent. Here’s how to handle it effectively and protect your interests.
1. Understand Who Is Calling
First, identify which insurance company is contacting you. If it’s your own insurance company, you are legally required to cooperate to some extent, as outlined in your insurance contract. If it’s the other driver’s insurance company, you are not obligated to provide a detailed statement.
When an insurance adjuster or a claims adjuster calls, they often ask for information to determine fault for the accident and the extent of your injuries. It’s important to stay cautious, as their primary goal is to save their company money, not protect your best interests.
2. Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement
Never agree to a recorded statement without consulting a car accident attorney. Statements can be used to reduce the value of your claim. Politely decline and say you will provide information in writing if necessary.
3. Limit What You Share
Share only basic details like your name, policy number, and contact information. Avoid discussing:
- Who was at fault for the accident.
- The extent of your injuries, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Medical treatment you’ve received unless your attorney advises it.
Do not volunteer information about the accident scene or admit fault, even if you believe you were partially responsible.
4. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all communications, including:
- Names of the insurance company representatives you spoke to.
- Dates and times of calls.
- Questions asked by the insurance company adjuster.
- Any settlement offer made.
This information may be helpful if disputes arise later in the claims process.
5. Know Your Rights
If you live in a no-fault state, your own insurance company will cover certain expenses like medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. However, if the driver’s insurance company contacts you for more information, you still have the right to refuse to provide a recorded statement or admit fault.
6. Seek Legal Representation
If the calls feel excessive or you are severely injured, consider hiring a car accident lawyer. Legal representation helps you recover compensation for property damage, medical expenses, and more. An attorney can also communicate with the third-party insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your best interests are protected.
What Should I Say to the Insurance Adjuster?
When speaking to an insurance adjuster after a car accident, it’s important to be cautious and intentional with your words. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts. Here’s what to say—and what to avoid—to protect your best interests.
Stick to the Basics
Provide only essential details about the car accident, such as:
- The date, time, and location of the accident.
- The make and model of your vehicle.
- Your name, address, and phone number.
Avoid offering unnecessary or speculative information, as it can be used against you. If the other driver’s insurance adjuster asks about fault, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
Avoid Volunteering Extra Information
Answer the insurance company’s questions directly and briefly. Don’t speculate about the extent of your injuries or property damage if you don’t have complete information. For example, if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, say, “I’m still seeking medical treatment to understand the extent of my injuries fully.”
Decline a Recorded Statement
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. You are not legally required to provide one, and it’s often best to decline. Statements can be used to reduce or deny your car accident claim later.
Do Not Discuss Fault
Never admit fault for the accident, even if you feel responsible. Determining fault is a legal issue based on evidence, such as the police report, witness statements, and accident scene investigation. Let the insurance companies handle that process.
Limit Discussions About Injuries
When asked about your injuries, avoid giving specifics until you’ve completed medical treatment. Simply state that you are receiving care and will provide updates when you know the full extent of your injuries.
Request a Written Statement
If the insurance company asks you to provide details, consider offering a written statement after consulting a car accident attorney. This ensures that your statement is clear and factual.
Refer Questions to Your Attorney
If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, refer the insurance company representative to your car accident lawyer. An attorney can handle communications with the other driver’s insurance company, protecting your interests and ensuring your rights are upheld.
Stay Focused on Your Rights
Remember, the law requires insurance companies to handle claims fairly, but their goal is to pay as little money as possible. You have a legal obligation to cooperate with your own insurance company but are not required to assist the other driver’s insurer beyond basic information.
Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Now
Anyone involved in a serious crash in Las Vegas should seek the advice of a car accident lawyer. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, our legal team will immediately launch an investigation into your accident and identify all possible sources of compensation for you.
We’ll handle your insurance company’s representative and the driver’s car insurance company. You take care of yourself. Schedule a free consultation by calling or contacting our Las Vegas injury lawyers today.
THE702FIRM is a skilled law firm for personal injury in Las Vegas, Nevada. They represent the victims of personal injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-falls, and more. If you know someone who suffered a serious accident, contact the 702 lawyers today for a free consultation.
