Whether you\u2019re at fault or the victim in an accident, dealing with an insurance company requires a certain finesse. A few key strategies and tips can help you cope with insurance company tactics and ensure you don\u2019t harm your case. Make sure you know what to do – and what not to do – before you talk to an insurance company about an accident.<\/p>\n
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Never admit fault.<\/strong><\/p>\n First and foremost, it\u2019s important to remember when you\u2019re dealing with an insurance company to never admit fault. Even if you think you might have contributed to an accident, don\u2019t talk about it until you see a police report and talk to your attorney. A police report could reveal that you were mistaken about fault, but if you admit fault in the beginning, it becomes much more difficult to get insurers to pay. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Avoid providing a written statement.<\/strong><\/p>\n Many insurers will ask you to provide a written statement about an accident. Avoid providing a statement until you\u2019ve consulted with an attorney, and make sure the attorney reviews and approves your statement. If you provide a written statement without first getting legal advice, you could write something that could potentially hurt your case.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t lie about injuries.<\/strong><\/p>\n It may be tempting to exaggerate or minimize injuries when you have an accident. Don\u2019t. If you have injuries, get them treated and don\u2019t try to minimize them. Alternately, if you\u2019re not injured, don\u2019t try to pretend that you are; insurers will find out and you\u2019ll just hurt your own case.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Remember that the insurance company doesn\u2019t want to pay.<\/strong><\/p>\n Insurers are in business to make money. If they pay out on every insurance claim, they wouldn\u2019t make money. Therefore, insurers don\u2019t want to pay. Keep this in mind when you\u2019re dealing with an insurer. You must prove that the insurer has to pay, and establish how much the insurer should pay, before you\u2019ll see anything near what your case is worth.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Refer the insurer to your lawyer.<\/strong><\/p>\n The safest way to deal with an insurance company after an accident is to refer the insurer to your lawyer. Once you retain legal counsel, an insurer is required to talk to the attorney – not you. This can help you avoid saying the wrong thing, and can make sure you don\u2019t hurt your case.<\/p>\n Here is a Video from Phoenix personal injury lawfirm Wattel & York<\/a> discussing how to handle insurance companies.<\/p>\n
\nIf your accident was investigated by Arizona Highway Patrol, you may request a report here<\/a>.<\/p>\n