Car accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming, especially when it results in injury or damage to your vehicle. Once you have informed your insurance of the accident, you will be expected to provide a statement as part of the claims process. However, it is vital to remember that the insurance company is not on your side and may use your statement to avoid paying out your claim. It is important to know what to say and more importantly, what not to say to an insurance company after an accident to get the best possible outcome.
In this blog post, we will explore five things you should avoid saying to an insurance company after an accident in Fulton County, Georgia and the Atlanta area.
1. Apologize for the Accident
As humans, our first instinct is to acknowledge wrongdoing and apologize for our mistakes. However, an apology can be used to suggest fault and responsibility for the accident, even when you are not liable. The insurance company will use this against you to minimize their payout. It is crucial to refrain from apologizing even if you feel responsible.
2. Admit Fault
Admitting that you caused the accident or partially to blame is a costly mistake that can damage your compensation claim. Even if you think the accident was entirely your fault, it is essential to avoid taking responsibility as an insurance adjuster can rest the weight of the entire claim upon you. Ensure that you get legal advice before you admit to anything.
3. Giving Too Many Details
Providing more information than necessary can lead to a miscommunication of events and confusion. Avoid providing too many details when talking to the insurance company. Be careful when sharing statements surrounding the accident because, more often than not, they might use it against you.
4. Refuting if You Experienced Injuries
Insurance adjusters will ask if you experienced injuries, and you should not give a definitive answer. Even if you feel alright and have no symptoms, it’s possible that symptoms will manifest later. Avoid giving any concrete statements until you have seen a medical professional and have received a full diagnosis.
5. Speaking with an Attorney
When talking to the insurance company, it’s better to have an experienced personal injury attorney present. Adjusters are skilled professionals and are trained to reduce the claim’s value or deny it altogether. Therefore, it is beneficial to have an attorney present to ensure that you are getting a fair assessment of your claim. Getting legal counsel can help ensure you are not taken advantage of.
Providing a statement to the insurance company after an accident in Fulton County, Georgia and the Atlanta area requires care and caution. The insurance company’s primary goal is to minimize their payout, so it’s necessary to avoid taking blame or giving them any ammunition to reduce the value of your claim. Get legal counsel to help with the process and avoid falling victim to the insurance adjusters’ tactics. Remember, they are not on your side, but a law firm is always there to help guide you through the legal process.
Fulton County Car Accident Lawyer
The W. Winston Briggs Law Firm is your ally in navigating the complexities of insurance negotiations. If you’ve experienced an accident in Fulton County, Georgia, or the Atlanta area, safeguard your rights by seeking legal counsel. Remember, the insurance company may not be on your side, but the W. Winston Briggs Law Firm is here to guide you through the legal process. Contact us, your trusted Fulton County Car Accident Lawyers, to ensure you are not taken advantage of and receive a fair assessment of your claim.