subject: How To Avoid Damaging Your Personal Injury Claim [print this page] One of the first things that an individual must do after getting into a car accident is call their insurance company to notify them of what occurred. At some point, the insurance companies will want to get a statement from all involved parties. Before giving a statement, it is important to remember the following tips to avoid saying anything that may damage the value of the case. Insurance companies will use a person's own words against to justify offering a lower settlement should the case come to litigation.
1. Avoid saying anything at the scene of the accident
Car accidents are traumatic and stressful events for everyone. People react differently under pressure. Even if the other driver is upset, stay calm and avoid being pulled into an argument about fault. The drivers are not the ones who decide fault in this instance. It is much more likely that an individual will hurt their case by engaging with the other party than help their case. Do not be pressured into saying anything.
2. Be decisive in statements
At some point, you will have to speak with your insurance company and give them a statement concerning the circumstances of the accident. Using terms such as I think or maybe will encourage the opposing party to question your recall and subsequently hurt your case. Avoid giving information which you're not sure about. It is better for an individual to have less information that they are fully confident in than a lot of information which they are unsure about.
3. Never admit fault
Under no circumstances should an individual admit fault at the scene of the accident. It is possible that both or all parties may be at least partially responsible for the accident even if it seems as though one person should take all the blame. An individual should never tell their insurance company that an accident was their fault as it will have a negative effect on their insurance rates in the future.
4. Never tell them that you're OK
Even though it may seem as though an insurance agent may ask how you're doing as a matter of courtesy, they may really be looking for any information that will lower the amount that they have to pay to out. Even though some injuries don't always appear right away, an individual negatively affects their case when they give the insurance company this information. When insurance asks, an individual would do well to tell their insurance company that they are going to the doctor and will be able to give a better answer after the doctor completed a thorough examination.
How To Avoid Damaging Your Personal Injury Claim
By: injurylawyer1
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