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Orange Park, FL 32065
Guidelines
Should You Talk to Your Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
Your first priority should be to call 911 and seek medical
attention. Insurance companies, including your own, aim to
minimize their payout, so any information you provide
could potentially be used against you. Here’s what you
need to know about communicating with your insurance
company following an accident.
Report the Accident—But Be Cautious
You are required to notify your insurance company about an
accident in a timely manner, typically within a few days.
This is part of your contractual obligation, and failing
to do so can negatively impact your claim. When you report
the incident, provide only the essential details, such as:
- • Date and time of the accident
- • Location
- • Names of the parties involved
Avoid discussing specifics about how the accident happened
or the extent of your injuries, as these details may be
used to reduce or deny your claim later.
Why Insurance Companies May Not Have Your Best Interests at Heart
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing
costs, even your own insurance provider. They might ask
leading questions designed to get you to admit fault or
downplay the severity of your injuries. Statements like
“I’m feeling okay” can be misinterpreted to suggest that
your injuries are minor, even if symptoms worsen later.
Adjusters may also try to get you to settle early for less
compensation than you deserve before the full extent of
your medical needs is clear.
What to Say and Not Say to Your Insurance Company
When you contact your insurance company, stick to the
basic facts and avoid providing any unnecessary
information. Here’s a breakdown of what to share and what
to avoid:
What to Share:
- • Date, time, and location of the accident
- • Contact details of other parties involved
- • Information about police reports or witnesses
What to Avoid:
- • Detailed explanations of how the accident happened
- • Any speculation about fault
- • Specifics about your injuries, especially before consulting a doctor
If pressed for more details, politely let them know that
you are still gathering information and will provide more
after speaking with an attorney.
How an Attorney Can Help
Consulting a personal injury attorney can help protect
your rights after a car accident. An experienced attorney
will communicate with the insurance company on your
behalf, ensuring that no information is used against you
to minimize your claim. Lawyers understand the tactics
that insurance companies use and can help you negotiate a
fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost
wages, and other damages. You can
schedule a free consultation to
learn more details about the process.
Why Medical Attention Comes First
Your first priority after an accident should be seeking
medical care. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain,
injuries like whiplash or concussions can take time to
develop. Delaying medical attention could not only
jeopardize your health but also make it harder to prove
that your injuries were a direct result of the accident.
Protect Your Rights and Get the Compensation You Need
Don’t risk settling for less than you deserve. Let
Williams and Yoho’s experienced attorneys fight on your
behalf.
Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll handle the insurance negotiations, ensuring
you get the compensation you’re entitled to while focusing
on your recovery.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, feel
free to reach out to us.