Maison Law represents injury victims across Bakersfield. We understand that an accident and resulting injuries can happen anywhere, at any time. Aside from these physical challenges, one of the most troubling aspects of the legal process is dealing with an insurance company. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Do You Need to Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company?
When you’re injured and an insurance adjuster calls you, it’s important to know what to do–and not do. One of the first things that’s going to happen is you’re going to be in contact with an insurance company, whether it be your own or the person or entity at-fault for the accident.
In these initial phases, the insurance company is going to investigate what happened, and one of the ways they do this is by getting statements–both written and recorded–from those involved. But, you don’t have to give one of these statements. Most of the time, insurance adjusters are trained to do the following with these statements:
- Twist your words
- Get information that reduces their insured’s liability
- Get you to admit fault for the accident
Basically, the role of the insurance adjuster and company is to pay you as little as possible, even if you had no fault in the particular accident. So, while you don’t have to give a recorded statement, it’s important to do the following if you talk to an insurance company:
- Stick to the basics of what happened
- Don’t admit fault at all
- Only provide straightforward answers
This is very important, because in California, there’s the concept of “comparative negligence.” This law says that any fault you share in the accident will reduce your overall recovery of damages by the same percentage.
What Should You Do to Protect Your Claim?
Because an insurance company is going to do anything it can to pay out as little as possible in a settlement or lawsuit, it becomes very important to take certain steps after the accident to protect your health and legal options.
In order to do that more fully, you should make sure to do the following:
- Gather evidence – Take photos and ask people who witnessed the event to share what they saw. This helps to have proof of what happened.
- Get medical care – If you’re hurt, go to a doctor as soon as you can. It’s important to get checked out and treated promptly.
- Stick to the law – Make sure to obey all the laws related to driving, walking, or anywhere else. This can help prevent more issues from occurring.
- Keep track of your documentation – Save any paperwork you receive regarding the accident. This includes things like reports or receipts. They’re important for dealing with the aftermath.
- Cooperate with investigations – If the police or insurance investigators are involved, work with them. Answer their questions truthfully and provide any information they ask for. This can help resolve the situation more smoothly.
Damages
Whenever you’re hurt in any type of accident, it’s crucial to file an injury claim to get the help you need to recover. Every accident is different, but most injury claims aim to give you financial support for the harm caused, known as “damages.”
Our team of experienced lawyers will work with you to explore every possible way to get support. Whether this happens through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you can potentially recover the following damages in a claim:
- Paying for medical treatment
- Covering costs for physical therapy
- Replacing lost wages because you can’t work
- Dealing with pain and suffering from the accident
- Coping with a diminished quality of life due to injuries
Figuring out the full extent of the damages you deserve can be tough, especially if your injuries are severe and long-lasting. That’s why having our team of experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyers by your side is so important. While it’s not mandatory by law, having our team can make a big difference in how your case plays out–and the settlement you receive.
Contact Maison Law After an Accident in Bakersfield
When you’re in an accident, it can bring significant challenges, both physically and financially. No matter the circumstances of the accident, Maison Law is here to help you on your road to recovery. Our team of skilled and experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyers will provide legal guidance and support throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
