It is important to understand what questions insurance companies ask after a car wreck because until and unless you enlist the help of a car accident attorney, you will need to take steps to protect your own rights. Some of the most common questions insurance companies ask following an accident involve the basic facts of what happened, including:
- Who was involved in the accident? Was anyone else in the vehicle? Who was in the other vehicle?
- What led to the accident? What happened, and why?
- When did the accident occur?
- Where did the accident occur? Where were you going? Where were you coming from?
You may get these questions from your own insurance company or the insurance company representing the at-fault motorist who hit you. You may even wonder if you were at-fault in the accident.
It is imperative that you be mindful of what you say regarding the accident, even with your own insurance company. Otherwise, you could jeopardize your right to recover compensation for the damages you suffered in the accident.
Give the Insurance Company Basic Information
While you may need to speak with your own insurance company to notify them of the accident, we caution you to be careful what you say. Beware of questions that ask about fault. Do not give details beyond the basics of time and place, and names involved. They will obtain more information from the police report and other sources.
Insurers, even when you are the policyholder, attempt to remain unbiased when it comes to determining fault. If the insurance adjuster in your case has reason to believe you were to blame for the collision, they may lower how much they pay out or refuse your claim entirely.
Of course, the insurance company representing the at-fault driver has even more reason to try to gather any information to reduce the potential value of your claim. An attorney can help you by serving as your representation and communicating with the insurance company on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
The Insurance Company May Offer Less than You Deserve
Determining what questions insurance companies ask after a car wreck may not be the end of your worries when it comes to protecting your rights after a car accident. They will likely look for ways to settle your claim as soon as possible, which may result in a lower offer than you deserve.
In some cases, a liability car insurance carrier will immediately offer an accident victim thousands of dollars in a cash settlement. Unless you have a good understanding of your current and future medical bills, time away from work, and the value of your case, accepting this offer may not be your best option. We recommend not signing anything until you have an attorney look over the settlement.
Before you can understand what a fair settlement range might look like, you will need to have a better idea of the value of your case. Your attorney can help you gather the evidence necessary to document your losses and uncover your recoverable damages. This could include:
- Current and future medical care costs.
- Current and future lost income.
- Lost earning capacity if you do not return to your previous work.
- Property damages.
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
- Pain and suffering.
Only once you know what a fair settlement will look like in your case should you begin negotiating with the at-fault motorist’s insurance company.
Working with a Car Accident Attorney on Your Gulf South Car Accident Case
If you suffered injuries in a car accident case in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Arkansas, you can get a free case evaluation from a member of the team at the Morris Bart law firm. We will review your case at no cost to you and may be able to go to work on your case today. If we accept your case, you can count on one of our car accident attorneys to:
- Handle the insurance companies for you.
- Build a case with evidence of negligence and liability.
- Calculate the value of your damages.
- Negotiate to reach a fair settlement.
- Represent you at trial if necessary.
Our team works based on a contingency fee, so we receive no attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or court-awarded compensation for you. Our fees come from your car accident settlement.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Discuss Your Case with a Member of the Morris Bart, LLC Car Accident Team
You can reach a member of our car accident team from the Morris Bart law firm now by calling (800) 537-8185. We can review your case, explain your legal options, and determine the steps we may be able to take to help you protect your rights and manage your case.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
