{"id":19515,"date":"2022-10-20T15:44:48","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T19:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinklaw.com\/?page_id=19515"},"modified":"2024-01-18T11:24:05","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T16:24:05","slug":"giving-statement-to-at-fault-drivers-insurance-company-after-car-wreck","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sinklaw.com\/faqs\/giving-statement-to-at-fault-drivers-insurance-company-after-car-wreck\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Give a Statement to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company After a Car Wreck?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The short answer is “no.” You’re not legally bound to even speak directly to the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance company after a car wreck. The insurer may call you and try to have you say things you shouldn’t in the recorded statement, like admit fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, have your <\/span>attorney<\/span><\/a> speak to the insurance agent on your behalf. They are aware of the insurer\u2019s questionable tactics and will protect your right to compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why You May Benefit From Hiring a Car Wreck Lawyer Before Giving a Statement<\/h2>\n

After a car accident, there’s a lot of confusion. You’re stressed, rattled, and your adrenaline levels are high. Questions keep circling around in your mind, like, “Should I call and give a statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company after the car wreck?”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The purpose of the at-fault insurance company getting you to give a recorded statement is to try to minimize the amount they have to pay you. Therefore, they can use some of your own words against you.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, if you say something different than what you stated in the police report, they can use the disparity between the two statements to devalue or deny your claim.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Significance of a Recorded Statement<\/h3>\n

A recorded statement is considered a legal document, and anything you say can be used against you. A good rule thumb to always remember is that the insurance company for the at-fault driver is protecting their own bottom line, not your right to secure damages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beware of the Friendly Insurance Agent’s Call<\/h3>\n

If you receive a call from the at-fault driver’s insurer, politely end the call fast, telling the person they’ll have to speak to your insurance agent or attorney. You may also suggest that the agent get a copy of the police report if they want more details of the car wreck.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Should and Shouldn’t You Say to the Insurance Companies<\/h2>\n

After a car accident, you should always call your insurer and tell them about the accident. Just give the essential details to start the insurance claim process. Include the at-fault driver’s information, the time and date of the accident, and your policy number. Other than stating these details, don’t offer expanded explanations of what happened. It can be helpful to write down the facts you can remember before the call.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If it’s soon after the car accident and you haven’t spoken with an attorney yet, you might get questions from either insurer. If this happens, give short, concise, honest answers.<\/span><\/p>\n