After a car accident in Texas, it might seem necessary to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. They may call you soon after the crash and appear friendly, offering to help with your claim.
However, talking to them directly could lead to complications that affect your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Insurance companies must focus on their profits
While insurance companies often advertise themselves as only being there to help, they are still businesses that focus on making money. To do that, they may raise rates and try to pay as little as possible on claims.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with running such a business, and there are many good agents and companies. Still, you need to be on guard with how you interact with any insurer when you have a claim. Even if the adjuster seems sympathetic, they are working for the company’s profit, not for you.
For instance, the company might act like it’s helping you by asking for your statement, but its real goal may be to find ways to reduce or deny your claim. It might try to get you to say something that shifts the blame to you or minimizes the extent of your injuries.
You might say something that could hurt your case
Even in casual conversations, you could accidentally say something that the agent might use against you later. For example, if you mention you weren’t hurt at the scene, but later start feeling pain, they could use your initial statement to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or related to the accident.
Most insurance adjusters learn to ask tricky questions that might make you downplay your injuries or admit partial fault. Anything you say can be a reason to lower the amount of compensation you receive.
To avoid potential problems, it’s a good idea to limit your communication with the other driver’s insurance company. You can provide basic information like your name and insurance policy number, but avoid giving a recorded statement or discussing the details of the accident.
Being careful about who you talk to after a car accident can make a big difference in your claim. Staying cautious when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company helps you avoid unnecessary complications and improves your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
