Car Accidents Happen (Part 3) – Dealing With the Other Insurance Company

Dealing with insurance companies is a necessary part of a car accident’s aftermath. As discussed in Part 1, after a car accident, you should exchange information with the other driver, including information regarding insurance carriers. This means that the other driver, and their insurance company, now have your contact information. It is very likely that after a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company will contact you. In this part of our three-part series, we will discuss how to deal with insurance companies in the aftermath of a car accident. Part 1 discussed the steps you need to take immediately after a car accident occurs. Part 2 discussed what to do if you are injured in a car accident.

Many times following a car accident, the other drivers’ insurance company will contact you in an attempt to settle the claim. They will ask you for a statement on what you believe happened. This statement can be used against you later on, whether in settlement negotiations, or if the case goes to trial. Therefore, it is important to remember that you are not required to speak with the other insurance company. Do not give them a statement they can use against you. Keep in mind, the other insurance company does not represent you, they represent the other driver, and are trying to give them an advantage in the settlement negotiations.

Another reason may contact you is to offer you money to drop or settle your claim. In most cases, these companies will offer you a nuisance offer – that is to say, they are trying to give you much less than what you are actually owed in hopes that you will take the money, sign a release, and end the claim. Many times, these offers will come before your medical care is completed. If you are still suffering from injuries and receiving treatment, you do not know what to total amount of your medical expenses will be. You don’t know what your claim is actually worth! As such, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you don’t sign anything, especially a release, or accept any money for your injuries until you are sure you are healed. This ensures that you are negotiating with a full understanding of your claims true worth, and that you are able to recover more of what you are actually owed.

Above we define car accidents happen in 3 parts, so go to fight for your right.