Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

New York Car Accident Attorneys Help Clients Deal with Insurance Companies

Don’t Want to Deal with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident? New York Personal Injury Law Firm Stands Up for Your Rights

There are certain types of information that liability insurance companies typically try to get from you after a car accident to help evaluate your injuries and potentially keep the value of your claim down. However, remember — you are under no obligation to provide it. Providing too much information to the other party’s insurance company can undermine your claim and even render it void, losing any chance for compensation.

Personal information

You do not have to provide any personal information other than your name, address and telephone number. Keep the initial conversation with the insurance adjuster brief and to the point. You can tell them what type of work you do, and where you’re employed, but be careful not to explain or discuss any details about your specific duties or your income.

Recorded Statement

If an insurance company is asking for your recorded statement, you should always verify whether it is your insurer or the other driver’s company. Although you may be legally obligated to cooperate with your own insurer, most of the time you are not required to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you have retained or are about to retain an attorney, the insurance company must communicate directly with your legal counsel. If they ask you for a recorded statement, provide them with your attorney’s phone number instead.

Specific Injury Information

It is unwise to give an insurance adjuster a detailed description of your injuries, especially early on. You might leave something out, discover an injury later, or an injury you thought was minor might turn into something serious later. Advise them that you’ll be seeking or continuing medical treatment, but remember — you are under no obligation to tell them what doctors or medical providers you’re seeing, at least not initially.

The easiest way to protect your rights when dealing with insurance companies is to retain a personal injury attorney, and then politely instruct the insurance company representative to contact your lawyer with their questions.

Contact Our Manhatten Personal Injury Law Firm Today

Were you injured in an automobile accident and are uncertain about how to handle communication with insurance companies? For competent legal advice in New York contact the personal injury attorneys at Silver Law Group, online or call 212-470-4544 to arrange your free initial case evaluation today.