Insurance companies are known for asking probing questions and trying to lead accident victims into making statements that can harm the value of the claim or cause a claim to be completely rejected. When you have an attorney representing you, insurance companies are not allowed to discuss accident details of any kind with you. Occasionally, insurance adjusters will speak to victims either before an attorney has been obtained or even immediately after an accident. It is very important not to make statement inadvertently that could impede your claim. Some common questions and recommended answers are:
1. Are you injured as a result of this accident?
Often injuries do not appear for days or even weeks after an accident. For this reason, be sure to answer questions regarding your injuries to reflect this situation. It is imperative that before you make any verbal agreements with your insurance company regarding injuries, that you allow your body time to see the full extent of your injuries. In the meantime, the most important step, is to seek legal and medical assistance. It is generally advised to not answer this question with an absolute negative.
2. What were your activities prior to the accident?
The purpose of this question is to fish for information to place a percentage of liability on to you. In the event that this question comes up, do not provide overly detailed answers. In the event that the insurance continues to push for detailed answers, it is advisable to seek legal assistance in Fort Worth or near your location to protect your rights.
3. Can you identify the driver of the insured’s vehicle? (Who was driving the vehicle?)
Many insurance policies are written to exclude drivers for many different reasons. Unless you looked at the drivers license of the person who caused the accident, do not speculate as to the identity of the driver. Physical descriptions of anyone you spoke to, as well as names they may have given you can be disclosed but be sure to let your insurance company know that you were provided this name by someone. Do not identify the driver, unless you have seen their driver’s license and can provide that information to your insurance company. Otherwise, your claim may be at risk of being denied.
4. Can someone from our insurance office come meet with you to resolve this issue?
This is code for, “can we pay you off at a lower amount than your claim may be worth?” it is advisable to not agree to this type of meeting. It is even more imperative that you do not cash any checks or sign any release or disclosure documents prior to seeking medical and legal assistance. Many times, checks are issued as full and final settlements without that information being shared with the victim.
After an accident in Arlington or the surrounding cities, it is easy to fall prey to your insurance company before your have had the necessary time to process what has happened. Do not let this happen to you. With over 25 years of experience, the attorneys at David S. Kohm and Associates are here are help you in a time of need. Call now for a free consultation.
