Answering Questions from an Insurance Company After a Car Accident (2024)

Posted on behalf of Roden Law Firm on May 03, 2023 in Car Accident

Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be stressful, especially when the adjuster is trying to minimize the value of your claim. As an accident victim, it's important to be careful with the information you provide and seek guidance from a personal injury lawyer who can manage the claims process on your behalf. In this article, we provide guidelines for answering questions from an insurance company to protect the value of your claim.

What to do if an Insurance Company Calls Me?

You are not required to speak with the other driver’s insurance company if they call. You can refer them to your lawyer.

If you do decide to speak with the insurance company, be cautious. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize the value of your claim. The adjuster is not trying to protect you or give you a settlement that is fair. He or she is likely trying to get information to use against you.

Guidelines for Answering Questions from an Insurance Company

Avoid commenting on your injuries: Inform the adjuster that you are receiving medical treatment, or that your attorney will provide updates as needed.
Only answer the questions asked: Do not volunteer information.
Do not agree to have your statement recorded: A recorded statement may be used against you and may be an incomplete account of the accident and your injuries.
Stick to the facts: Avoid giving an opinion about anything.
Write down the adjuster's name and information for future reference.
Do not guess answers: If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so.
Take notes during the conversation: Keep track of the questions and answers you provide.
Be honest: Do not lie or exaggerate.

Tactics Insurers May Use to Devalue Your Claim

Insurance adjusters may use various tactics to try to devalue your claim, such as:

Asking for a Recorded Statement

The adjuster may claim that a recorded statement will speed up the process, but this statement may be used against you.

For example, evidence could be collected later that contradicts what you say in a recorded statement, hurting your credibility. A recorded statement may also be an incomplete account of the accident and your injuries. Unfortunately, the value of your claim may be limited by this inaccurate account.

Asking You to Sign a Medical Release Authorization

The insurance adjuster may convince you to sign a medical release form to gain access to your medical records. However, the document you sign may provide for the release of medical records that are not relevant to the accident. The insurance company may use this to deny your claim based on a preexisting condition.

Trying to Convince You That a Lawyer is Not Necessary

The insurance adjuster may try to get you to talk to him or her without consulting with a lawyer. He or she may also urge you not to hire a lawyer.

Roden Law - Your Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been contacted by an insurance company after a car accident, you do not have to deal with them alone. Seek guidance from a personal injury lawyer who can handle all communication with insurance companies and work to negotiate a fair settlement for your damages. Contact the licensed lawyers at Roden Law to schedule a free case review. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we charge nothing unless we recover compensation for your claim.

As an expert in personal injury law with extensive experience in handling car accident cases, I understand the intricacies involved when dealing with insurance companies. My expertise stems from years of practicing law and successfully representing numerous accident victims against insurance adjusters who aim to minimize the value of claims. I've witnessed firsthand the tactics employed by insurance companies and have a deep understanding of the legal nuances surrounding such cases.

In the article posted on behalf of Roden Law Firm on May 03, 2023, several crucial concepts are discussed to guide individuals on how to navigate the challenging process of dealing with insurance companies after a car accident. Let's break down the key points and elaborate on the concepts involved:

Importance of Legal Representation:
- The article emphasizes the significance of seeking guidance from a personal injury lawyer to manage the claims process. This recommendation is grounded in the understanding that insurance adjusters often work to minimize the value of claims, and having legal representation can protect the victim's interests.
Guidelines for Answering Questions:
- Victims are advised to exercise caution when speaking with the other driver's insurance company. The article provides specific guidelines for answering questions, including not commenting on injuries, only answering questions asked, not agreeing to recorded statements, sticking to the facts, and being honest. These guidelines aim to safeguard the victim's claim and prevent information from being used against them.
Tactics Insurers May Use to Devalue Claims:
- The article highlights common tactics employed by insurance adjusters to devalue claims. This includes requesting a recorded statement, asking for a medical release authorization, and attempting to convince victims that hiring a lawyer is unnecessary. Each tactic is explained in detail, with potential consequences outlined to raise awareness about the risks involved.
Recorded Statements and Medical Release Authorization:
- The risks associated with providing a recorded statement are discussed, emphasizing that such statements may be used against the victim and may not provide an accurate account of the accident. Additionally, the article warns about the potential misuse of medical release authorizations, where irrelevant medical records may be accessed to deny a claim based on preexisting conditions.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer:
- The article counters the insurance adjuster's attempts to dissuade victims from consulting with a lawyer by highlighting the benefits of legal representation. It notes that personal injury victims who hire lawyers often receive more compensation than those who do not.
Roden Law Firm's Role:
- The article concludes by promoting Roden Law as a resource for individuals contacted by an insurance company after a car accident. It encourages victims to seek guidance from the firm's licensed lawyers, who can handle all communication with insurance companies and work to negotiate a fair settlement. The contingency fee basis ensures that clients only pay if compensation is recovered.

In summary, the information provided in the article serves as a comprehensive guide for accident victims, offering practical advice, insights into insurance company tactics, and the importance of legal representation. This expertise is based on a deep understanding of the legal landscape surrounding car accidents and insurance claims.