Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance After an Accident in El Paso?

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Car accidents, even if they are relatively minor, can leave you with injuries that sometimes require extensive treatment and numerous trips to the doctor.  However, unfortunately, physical injuries are only one component of what makes the aftermath of a car accident so stressful.  Dealing with the damage to your car and trying to seek fair compensation can be a trying and difficult process.  One of the things that makes this process so difficult is figuring out to deal with insurance companies.  Many car accident victims are left wondering, “should I give a statement to the other driver’s insurance?” This is a difficult question and one that is likely best answered with the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney.

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, call (915) 288-3007 for a free case evaluation with our El Paso car accident lawyers.

You Are Not Required to Speak with the Other Insurance Company

First and foremost, it is important to understand that you have no legal obligation to speak with the insurance company for the other driver involved in your accident.  This is critical because you may receive a call from the other insurance company asking you to give a statement.  Remember, though, that their main goal is to pay out as little money as possible, and one of the ways that they might try to do this is to get you to say something that damages your claim.  However, there are circumstances in which it might be advisable to talk to the other insurance company, which will be discussed in the next section.

On the other hand, it is important to talk to your own insurance company after an accident.  There may be benefits available to you under your own insurance policy that may eventually come in handy. In reporting the accident to your own insurance company, be ready to provide: the date, time, and place of the accident, the contact information for the other parties involved, and the law enforcement agency that responded.

When Should I Speak with Their Insurance Company?

As mentioned previously, there are certain situations where you might actually want to speak to the insurance company on the other side.  Typically, this will be when the other driver was most likely at fault, but has either refused to talk to, or lied to their own insurance company.  For example, if you were at a complete standstill at a red light when the other driver rear-ended you, but they are telling their insurance company that it was you who somehow backed up into them, then that would most likely be a situation where speaking with the other insurance company would be advisable.  If you don’t speak to the other insurance company in these situations, then the process may drag on much longer than necessary. However, even if the other driver was clearly at fault, it is may still be advisable to contact an attorney before talking to the insurance company.

Why Should I Avoid Giving the Other Insurance Company a Statement?

Remember that the goal of the insurance company on the other side is to pay out as little money as possible.  They do not have your best interests in mind when they reach out to you for a statement.  What they are looking for is evidence that the accident was actually your fault, or that your injuries and damages are more minor than they may appear.  Though there are ways to handle these communications without damaging your claim, it is generally advisable to avoid giving a statement to the other insurance company.

Tips When Dealing with the Other Driver’s Insurance

If you do end up giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance, there are some ways to manage the communications in a way that does not damage your claim.  Some of these include:

Understand the Implications

When talking to the other insurance company, it is important to understand that anything you say can be used to reduce the value of your claim. What seems like an innocuous statement can potentially end up costing you money.

Only Answer the Question Asked

When speaking with the opposing insurance company, only answer the question that is asked. Do not volunteer extra information, and do not agree to have your statement recorded, whether over the phone or written.

Don’t Guess or Speculate

Answer truthfully and honestly, and if you don’t know the answer to a question that is being asked, it is perfectly fine to say just that.

Zinda Law Group May Negotiate with Insurance on Your Behalf

Zinda Law Group attorneys may be able to handle these communications in a way that avoids doing damage to your claim.  Our experienced attorneys have helped thousands of car accident victims get back on their feet.  In addition, we believe that a victim of a car accident shouldn’t have to worry about affording legal representation, which is why we employ a no-win, no-fee policy—if we don’t get a favorable outcome in your case, you don’t owe us anything.

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, call (915) 288-3007 for a free case evaluation with our El Paso car accident lawyers.