What if I already talked to insurance without a lawyer after my car accident?
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to contact accident victims fairly quickly after a crash. However, it’s essential to understand that an insurance adjuster’s primary goal is to weaken your claim by gathering statements they can use against you. They are NOT your friend, and you should avoid talking to them before seeking legal advice.
Potential risks of talking to an insurance adjuster alone include:
- Compromising your case – Insurance companies will request recorded statements (which you have no obligation to provide), then ask leading questions and misrepresent your answers to weaken your claim.
- Accepting a lowball settlement – You’ll likely be offered a quick, lowball settlement from insurers. Accepting it will usually waive your right to seek further compensation before you can accurately assess the full cost of your injuries.
- Giving up unnecessary personal information – Insurers may pressure you into providing broad authorizations to your medical records so they can find ways to minimize your payout.
If you’ve already spoken to insurers without legal advice, be sure to:
- Contact a lawyer. An experienced attorney can assess the situation and determine how to mitigate any damage and protect your rights. Call one right away.
- Stop further communication. Politely inform the adjuster that you’ve decided to have an attorney handle all further discussions.
- Get copies of everything. Request transcripts or recordings of any statements you made so you and your lawyer can fact-check any claims the insurer attempts to make regarding them.
Do not sign anything else. You are under no obligation to sign or authorize anything, and doing so may compromise your claim. Do NOT sign any other documents.
