If you have been involved in a car accident, there is a chance that you'll be contacted by the other driver's insurance company. It is important to understand that you have no obligation to comply with a request to provide a statement, and doing so may jeopardize your ability to obtain a favorable settlement in your case.
What to Say If You're Contacted By Another Driver's Insurance Provider
In most cases, you'll provide a written or oral statement to your own insurance company in the immediate aftermath of the accident. When contacted by the other driver's coverage provider, politely mention that your attorney would be happy to forward copies of that statement to the appropriate parties.
The Potential Pitfalls of Speaking About Your Case
The attorneys for the insurance companies involved in your case are adept at finding ways to deny a claim or otherwise limit their liability. The attorneys for the other parties directly involved in the accident may also be on high alert for any information that can be used against you. Therefore, it's generally a good idea to say as little as possible to anyone who is not your legal counsel.
What If You Want to Speak With the Other Insurance Company?
It's your right to speak with another party about the case even if it may not be in your best interest to do so. However, if you do plan to make an additional statement regarding your accident case, be sure to have your attorney present while doing so. He or she may be able to prevent you from saying anything that might imply that you were responsible for the accident. If you provide a written statement, this person may be able to review it before your words become part of the official record.
In a perfect world, you would collect compensation for your injuries without incident. Unfortunately, the reality is that those who are liable for damages in your case will likely do everything that they can to pay as little as possible. You can frustrate those efforts by staying quiet, focusing on your recovery, and trusting that your attorney has what it takes to obtain a favorable outcome in the matter.
If you or someone you know was recently injured in a car accident, contact Loscalzo & Loscalzo, P.C. at (646) 846-4776 to discuss your case with one of our personal injury attorneys today.