This is one of the questions the personal injury attorneys get from their clients. We often get this question after the facts that are filled in the form “Should I speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider?” It is not clear that most lawyers will completely disagree with your claim. However, most personal injury attorneys will agree that it is always best to consult with an experienced lawyer before you engage in any discussions with the defending insurance firms. This goes with the recorded statements as discussed below. The automotive insurance adjuster is fraught with hazards when it may seem like a friendly conversation.
There is a clear reason why this is true. The interest of the automotive insurance company for the at-fault client is always in conflict with yours. For them, they will always want to pay your compensation as little as possible. This means that any engagement in conversations or discussions as much as they can appear to be very friendly, have the potential to harm all your legal claims directly and adversely. What may appear to be a fair conversation with you may turn out to be a calculated encounter.
Discussion of a Claim vs. Notice of a Claim
It is always not to your advantage to talk directly to the at-fault driver’s automobile insurance company during the early stages of the case. On the contrary, your claim can be potentially damaged by a mere conversation with the insurance company’s officers. There is a difference between entering into a legal discussion with the insurance company and notifying the insurance company about your claim. In a real sense, both your insurance company as well as the at-fault driver’s insurance company should be notified of the automotive accident. However, you can’t do this without the help of our personal injury attorneys.
The work of the lawyer is to determine the coverage for your insurance. In many occasions, the lawyer will work hard to look for the insurance that will allow you to get the greatest leverage on your case for equal compensation as well as having you paid for the medical treatment. These initial discussions are not designed to have the claim settled. If they are, consider looking for another opinion from different lawyers.
Again, the notice of the discussion and the claim are two things that can be very distinct. The main goal of the insurance company is to leverage on paying you as little as possible. They are on a mission to pay you zero amount as optimal. Because they are in business wanting to make money, it should be no surprise to you. They are not here to give you generously.
Insurance companies, to reach their goals, will make a very low offer as a statement. In many occasions, the injured persons will take this money because they are in need of cash to settle their bills regarding lost wages as well as medical treatment that can quickly lead up to their families financial capability. The settlement process, unfortunately, can be lengthy and complicated. A quick settlement, in most cases, is not fair to relieve you of your pain and suffering.
The Recorded Statement
There is no good reason for you to give a recorded statement. While having much to lose, you will get nothing from the insurance company. For those who recognize such facts and want to determine their losses by waiting (future lost income, medical bills, and permanent injuries), the insurance firm will request you with a recorded statement. Most attorneys will not give you permission to record statements before you consult them.
For many reasons, the recorded statement is often damaging. The report may prove that you don’t have any valid claim as a legitimate way. The main reason why the recorded statement is taken is that they use it to show that your claim is not valid to undermine it.
Do Not Delay
Again, not all assurance firms or claim representatives misbehave. There are some who are reasonable and fair. The problem is that it is hard to find the best among them. However, our personal injury attorneys know who they are. For this reason, it is important to seek time and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in dealing with such cases.
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