Dealing with insurance companies can become tricky territory, especially after an accident involving another vehicle. If you have been in a car accident it helps to understand the process and how you should or should not communicate with insurance companies.
Your Insurance Company
You should always contact your own insurance provider if you have been involved in a serious car accident. When you speak to the insurance company, it is important to find out about any benefits that are available on your policy. Regardless of whether you intend to pursue compensation through an at-fault driver’s insurance, you may need to take advantage of those benefits.
In many instances, at-fault driver’s insurance company will dispute fault, which means you may need your insurance to authorize any repairs at the workshop. You can also ask the insurance company if they can supply a rental car while repairs are carried out on your vehicle or a replacement is organized in the event of a write-off. There are numerous other reasons why you may need to contact your insurance company depending on the nature of the accident and the other party’s coverage status.
Other Driver’s Insurance Company
You are not legally obligated to speak to the other driver’s insurance company. Although there are instances where such communication may benefit you, such as when the other driver is at-fault and has not informed the insurance company. It is impossible to receive a settlement from the insurance company of they are not aware of the circumstances surrounding the car accident and, specifically, who was at-fault.
If you are intending on pursuing a personal injury claim, however, it may hurt your case if you speak to an insurance agent. It is especially important you avoid speaking to the other insurance company if you have hired a California car accident lawyer to represent your interests. Any correspondence with the other insurance company should go through the law firm, as they have the experience necessary to negotiate a settlement or, as is sometimes the case, pursue the matter in court.
Consult with a Car Accident Attorney
Every case is different, so it is better to err on the side of caution and consult with a car accident attorney before speaking to the other insurance company. Examples that you find online or hear from friends and family may not reflect your situation and should not be taken as legal advice. A car accident attorney can assess your case on its specific merits and provide professional legal consultation.
The average person does not possess the knowledge or experience necessary to negotiate effectively with an insurance company that is representing the interests of another party. You can take a large amount of the stress off your shoulders by hiring a car accident attorney.
For a professional consultation with an experienced California car accident lawyer, reach out to the offices of Maison Law today. We can provide advice, guidance, and representation to help you navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies after a car accident.
