Am I Legally Required to Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
When you are involved in a car accident, you can decline to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. It’s usually best to avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve talked to a personal injury lawyer. Your own insurance company may also give you advice about speaking with other insurance companies if the situation calls for it.
Consequences of Speaking with Another Driver’s Insurance Company
Insurance companies are motivated by their bottom lines and work to pay out as little as possible for claims. The other driver’s insurance company will likely use tactics to downplay your injuries’ severity, dispute your version of events, or even try to shift blame onto you.
These tactics typically include getting you to say something the insurer can use against you. The insurance company may also push you to accept a settlement that doesn’t adequately cover your damages. If you speak to the insurer without legal representation, you may be unaware of your rights and your claim’s true value.
It’s best to consult a personal injury lawyer and talk to your insurer before speaking with the other person’s insurance company after a car accident. You can avoid making statements that may hurt your case, and you’ll have a team of professionals on your side who can negotiate on your behalf.
Situations Where You Should Never Speak to Another Driver’s Insurance Company
It’s rarely a good idea to speak with another driver’s insurance company on your own—and you are never legally required to—but doing so can be particularly harmful if the insurer harasses you. If an insurance adjuster calls you excessively, threatens you, or tries bullying you into accepting a settlement offer, don’t engage with them. Instead, document the incident and discuss it with your personal injury lawyer.
You should also never speak to the other driver’s insurance company if you believe you’re at fault for the accident. You may still be entitled to compensation thanks to Ohio’s comparative negligence law, but it’s easy to say something that could hurt your case.
How to Protect Your Rights When Talking with the Other Driver's Car Insurance Company
You aren’t required to speak with the adjuster, so be careful if you decide to do so. Here are a few tips to protect your rights when talking with another driver’s insurance company:
- Keep your discussions brief and direct. Don’t be afraid to say that you need to end the conversation so you can speak with your lawyer.
- Don’t share details about your injuries or damages. You won’t know their full extent until your attorney has investigated your case.
- Refuse to provide a recorded statement or sign any documents without your lawyer’s guidance.
- Avoid admitting fault, and don’t discuss the accident in detail. Stick to basic facts of when and where the accident occurred, but don’t discuss what you were doing or how it happened.
Gervelis Law Firm Can Communicate With Insurers on Your Behalf
A personal injury lawyer can be your greatest asset after a car accident. When you turn to Gervelis Law Firm, we’ll handle all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. We also work with a dynamic team of professionals ready to build a strong case to present to insurers. Our Rapid Investigation Team will be at the accident scene within 24 hours to start gathering evidence while it’s fresh.
“We hire private investigators with law enforcement backgrounds and experience in crash investigation. Our paralegals are experienced in medical billing and medical record review to document your case.” – Attorney Dave Tschantz
Our team knows insurance companies’ tactics, and we don’t let them get away with offering you less than your case is worth. Whether the insurance company denies your claim or demands reimbursement from you, we’re ready to fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Getting the insurance company’s best offer often takes extensive negotiations. Our attorneys have the experience, skill, and tenacity necessary to go the distance.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today
At Gervelis Law Firm, we put you first. Your story matters to us—we see you as a person rather than a case number. We understand how deeply your injuries have impacted your life, and we’re ready to build a compelling case that conveys the full extent of your suffering.
“We offer the relationship of a small local law firm with the resources of a large one. We are a client-centered firm. Regardless of the size of your case, your needs are our top priority, and your calls or emails will be promptly returned.”
– Attorney Dave Tschantz
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can count on our Ohio personal injury lawyers to handle the insurance companies and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call 866-792-2728 to get started with a free consultation.
