After an accident, there’s so much to remember, so much to do, and so much to think about, it can be overwhelming. Talking to your insurance company is one of the first things you should do, but it’s important to handle it the right way. Here are 4 simple, easy-to-remember tips for talking to your insurance company.
Take Notes at the Scene
Once you have made sure that everyone at the scene of the accident is safe, start taking notes. It can easy to forget details after the moment has passed, and now is the time to get the most accurate details. The more you can tell your insurance company, later on, the better off you will be. Write down what happened, how fast you were going, the make, model, and license plate of the other car, and the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses. If you had to move the cars before you took pictures, it can be helpful to sketch out the accident scene for future reference.
Stay on Topic
When talking to the adjuster, it can be easy to veer off topic and start talking about things that don’t relate to the accident. Don’t do that. Stay focused on the facts. Tell them what happened, and any pertinent details that you are aware of. The more facts you can give them, the better off you are. If you can back up your facts with pictures or the police report, that is even better. There’s no need to rant about the other driver or to talk about what has happened since the accident. The adjuster’s job is to figure out how much money you are owed, so give them what they need for that.
Watch What You Say
Even if you weren’t at fault, it is important to avoid saying anything that may indicate that you were doing anything that contributed to the accident or that might not be legal. It also important to not downplay the accident or any injuries that you may have received. Now is not the time for brushing something off. As Page Law points out, your insurance company is not your friend. They want to make money, which means paying out the least amount possible, so don’t give them any reason to pay you less money.
Talk to a Lawyer
Once you have talked to your insurance company, it may be helpful to talk to a lawyer about what your options are moving forward, especially if you have a complicated situation. If you have severe injuries or the accident was a hit-and-run, there is only so much you can do on your own. You can work with your lawyer to get the proper compensation, either from the insurance company or from the other driver.
Talking to your insurance company, especially for the first time, can seem like another overwhelming step in an already complicated and stressful process. But if you take things one at a time and focus on the facts, everything will fall into place.
