How you answer questions asked by insurance companies after an accident may be used to minimize or deny your accident claim. Here’s what you should be prepared for.
During a car accident claim, the liable driver’s insurance company may want you to answer some questions about your accident. While it may seem harmless, the answers you give may be used to determine your settlement amount or liability. For this and many other reasons, you should familiarize yourself with the questions the insurance company may ask you and understand how to handle them. Below are some of the questions insurers may ask you after a car accident.
What Should You Do When an Insurance Adjuster Contacts You After a Car Accident?
It is important to note that the insurance company will be looking for ways to reduce or reject your claim. Therefore, if you choose to speak with an insurance adjuster, make sure you only provide relevant details such as the type of injuries you incurred and the property damages on your vehicle. Stick to the facts.
To ensure that your legal rights are protected right from the start of your claim, it is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjusters.
Common Questions Asked by Insurance Companies
After a car accident, the involved parties usually send questions to confirm facts on both sides of the case. Some of the common questions include:
When Did the Accident Occur?
You should write all the details of what happened during the incident, including the exact time and location.
Who Was Involved?
The insurance company will want to know how many people were involved in the accident. Make sure you have details of all the parties involved in the accident.
What Happened During the Accident?
You should provide factual information when giving an account of how the accident happened. Be alert as some questions asked by insurance adjusters may be foul play to look for inconsistencies in your story and blame the accident on you or discredit your claim. Again, this is why working with an experienced attorney is highly recommended.
Do You Have Pre–Existing Injuries?
While it’s advisable to disclose past injuries, refrain from doing so before consulting a car accident attorney. Why? Well, if the insurance can prove that your injuries were not a result of the accident, they may fail to pay you the compensation you deserve. Therefore, allow a car accident lawyer to look into your past medical reports to determine whether the injuries are relevant to your claim. The car accident attorney will also help you prepare for the interview by taking you through all the questions the insurance adjuster will likely ask you.
Is There a Police Report?
The insurance company may also want to know if you called the police and have a police report. A police report is vital in both minor and major accidents. It will help determine the liable parties to the accident. It will also help you establish a strong case.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!