If you are the victim of a careless driver, you may be relieved that the other driver at least had insurance coverage. It may be a small comfort now when you are dealing with the effects of the accident, but the insurance policy for the other side could come to mean the difference between getting nothing and getting fully compensated. At some point after the accident, you may be surprised to get a call from that insurance company, and they just want to chat with you about the accident. Read on for a full understanding of what this phone call means and how it could throw a real monkey wrench into your bid for a successful personal injury claim.
Don't Be Fooled
The caller seems very nice, and puts you at ease right away. They politely explain that they just need to get a few more bits of information before they send instructions to their financial disbursements section, which will result in a big check for you. The promise of some quick money sounds wonderful. After all, you are unable to work at your job because of your injuries and your family is now falling behind on bills. You should know, however, that anything you say to this caller could result in a lower settlement check.
Why Should You Keep Quiet?
No matter how charming and personable the caller on the other end of the line seems to be, they are actually employed by the at-fault driver's insurance carrier for the sole purpose of minimizing their liability in the accident. The word "liability" can be construed to mean "fault", and in this instance the insurance adjuster on the line is charged with causing you to say something that could reduce their own liability in the accident. Anytime the at-fault driver's liability is reduced, so is your potential for a fair settlement.
What Could Go Wrong?
What may be presented to you as a few follow-up questions and a verification of details is actually a trap, set to catch you saying something that could jeopardize your case. It's incredibly easy to misspeak, get a detail, date, name, etc wrong, or say something that could be misconstrued. Each time you tell someone about the accident, you may change a few things here and there; but you should not worry that you are being dishonest. It is only natural for your memories of the accident to come and go, as that is what happens when you experience a traumatic event. If you are caught on the recording saying something inaccurate or give conflicting information, you could be giving the insurance carrier the ammunition they need to reduce their liability.
What To Do
Speak to a personal injury attorney, such as those at Law Office Of Andrew J Leger Jr, at once. Do not speak to an insurance adjuster. Preserve your ability to get the settlement you need by keeping your silence about your accident.
