After you’ve been in an accident, it’s more common than you think for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to contact you. And while this may seem like a routine part of their endgame, it’s important to know how to handle these communications carefully. Unfortunately, insurance companies want to minimize the compensation payments required to make to accident victims, so anything you say to them could hurt your case. Here’s what to do if you’re contacted and how to handle this interaction to protect your rights.

1. Avoid recorded statements at all costs.

Even if the request for a recorded statement of what happened in the accident seems harmless, that recording could later be used against you to question your testimony no matter how harmless your comments seem, thus minimizing the amount of your claim.

2. Don’t admit partial blame or doubt your testimony

During the call with the agent, avoid admitting liability or talking about too many details. Stick to basic answers and give them essential information, such as the accident’s date, time, and location.

3. Don’t accept the first offer you get

Insurance companies may offer you quick settlements where they offer much less money than you deserve to settle cases before you understand the extent of your injuries and damages.

4. Contact a personal injury attorney before you talk to the insurance company

The most important step in this process is to consult with a personal injury attorney before you answer a call from the insurance company of the person who caused your accident. An attorney like Martha DahDah at DahDah Law can communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf, to protect your rights and ensure that you negotiate a settlement that is fair and covers all of your damages and losses.

5. Be as brief as possible

If you have no other option but to talk to the insurance company, keep the conversation brief and factual. Politely only give a detailed statement or offer once you speak with a personal injury attorney. Remember: When the insurance company contacts you, it is crucial to approach the situation cautiously.

Seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney and make sure you receive fair compensation for the damages the accident has brought to your life. Your rights matter, and at DahDah Law, we are here to defend them.