After being in a car accident, you’re going to deal with insurance companies that want to settle your claim quickly—regardless of any injuries you have or vehicle damages you need to get repaired. It may be in your best interest to wait before settling to ensure you get the full amount of compensation you need to recover. While insurance companies might sound pleasant or reassuring, their goal is oftentimes to get you to settle for less than what you’re owed.
The lawyers at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC in Charleston, West Virginia don’t think you should be held responsible for a crash that wasn’t your fault. Our car accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you need to recover from the crash.
What Should You Tell the Insurance Adjuster?
When approached by an insurance adjuster after being involved in a wreck in West Virginia, this is the only information they absolutely need to know:
- Basic Personal Information. You can provide your name, address, phone number, and your employer. But you don’t have to disclose anything further than that.
- Facts About the Accident. Stick to where and when the accident happened, and what vehicles were involved. You can also provide witnesses if you have any. But you don’t have to give a statement about the accident, because the insurance adjuster could use this to not give you full compensation for the accident. You don’t have to disclose medical information, either. They might ask about your injuries, and if you provide a statement, you might do so without knowing the extent of your injuries at that time.
Insurance adjusters might try to call you multiple times to get you to settle. The best way to avoid this is to clearly state that you will not provide a lot of information over the phone. Also, they will probably ask you if they can record the conversation. No matter how casual their tone, they could use this recorded conversation against you later. State that you do not agree to have the phone conversation recorded.
What Should You Do After a Car Wreck?
After a car accident, you might not know what the next steps should be. You’ve exchanged information with the other parties involved, and reported facts to the police. Filing a claim can be tricky, especially if you’re doing it on your own. Insurance adjusters will try to do all they can to pay the least amount. Here are some things you can do to prepare yourself:
- Seek Medical Attention. First, you have to take care of your health. Accidents can put you in shock, and you might not feel the extent of your injuries. See a doctor as soon as possible so they can assess you and determine your injuries and how you will recover. This will also help you in the future, because if you wait and your injuries get worse, you might not get full compensation for it.
- Speak to Your Own Insurance Agent. Follow up by speaking with your own insurance provider to report the accident and any damages that occurred. Don’t rush into any claim settlements before you explore all your options, however.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer. The best option to protect your interests is to get an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer. They’ll be able to guide you through the process, tell you what information you can and cannot disclose, and can act as your representative when it comes to the court room.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, we understand how confusing and scary this time can be. Before insurance adjusters start questioning you, we can help you prepare for those interactions that will make your claim stronger in the future.
Call us today at (877) 623-6919 for a free consultation.
