The weeks after an accident can be stressful and confusing. You might have painful injuries, and you could be unsure of what happened. Insurance companies know this, which is why they want you to talk as much as possible.
Unfortunately, they often try to use these statements against you. They might use them to make your settlement lower than what you deserve or even try to deny your claim. That’s why it’s so important to know what not to say to an insurance company after an accident.
At The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C., we can stand up for you and your rights after an accident. For years, we’ve worked with accident victims throughout the Virginia Beach area, so we know how to handle conversations with the insurance company. We understand their tactics, and we’re ready to use that knowledge to help protect you.
To learn more about how we can help, contact us for a free consultation today.
What Not to Say
If you’re recovering from an accident, you might think you should speak with the insurance company as soon as possible. But remember that you have rights, and saying the wrong thing to an insurer could cause trouble. Remember, the insurance company is not on your side. That’s why following an accident:
- Don’t contact insurance companies immediately. Protect yourself, your health, and your passengers first. After that, it’s best to speak with an attorney about your options before the insurer.
- Don’t admit any fault for the accident. Accidents can be traumatic, and you might not understand the circumstances of the crash. You could believe you caused the accident, but the facts may support a different conclusion. Don’t give the insurance company any reason to reduce or deny your claim.
- Don’t disclose the names of your family members or medical providers. Insurance companies want to minimize their losses, not maximize your compensation. They may contact the people around you to ask questions about the accident and undermine your claim.
- Don’t give your opinions. When you’re talking with an insurance company, opinions can cause far more harm than good. If you make a claim that’s not supported by the facts, the insurer could use it against you.
- Don’t make an official or recorded statement. It’s difficult to undo the damage of statements that turn out to be untrue. Protect your interests and speak with an attorney before making any official statements to insurers.
- Don’t accept an initial offer from the insurance companies. If they know they’ll have to pay you, the company might offer you a settlement that seems generous. But remember, they’re looking out for their bottom line and not for you.
How The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C. Could Help
At The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C., we can talk with insurance companies so that you don’t have to. Following an accident, we could help you by:
- Answering your questions about next steps and Virginia insurance law
- Serving as your advocate in all discussions with insurance companies
- Protecting your rights to fair compensation
- Demanding the full compensation you deserve
- Working with experts to understand the facts of the crash
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies for the outcome you want
- Filing a lawsuit in court and representing you with integrity
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C. as soon as possible. We know how insurance companies operate, and we can guide you through the insurance claim process. And unlike insurance companies, we put you and your needs first.
With a decade of experience helping injury victims in the Virginia Beach area, our lawyer with The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, P.L.L.C. is ready to help you. For a free consultation about your case, call us now or get in touch online.