By: Robert F. Goings
So you’ve been in a car accident – you’re hurt, injured, and your car has sustained significant property damage. You’re not sure what you should do? You will be faced with many challenging questions. Some of those question are…
What do I say to my insurance company?
Do I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
What do I say to the at-fault driver?
Who will pay my medical bills?
How do I pay back my health insurance company?
What papers should I sign?
Do I have a case? Should I contact an attorney?
Below are tips of what to do after a car accident. Following these suggestions will give you the best chance of protecting your legal rights. It is very important to protect your legal rights at the beginning because even the smallest, most innocent mistake when dealing with the auto insurance company could jeopardize the compensation that you are may be entitled to receive.
The First Rule: Do Not talk to the other driver’s insurance company.
The Second Rule: Do Not Give Any Statements to the Insurance Company
Question: Should you give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company?
Answer: No! Not before talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Question: Should you speak to the other driver’s insurance company?
Answer: No! Not before talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Question: Should you give a medical authorization to the other driver’s insurance company?
Answer: No! Not before talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Question: Should you discuss your medical condition with the other driver’s insurance company?
Answer: No! Not before talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Question: Should you try to settle your case or a loved one’s case with the other driver’s insurance company?
Answer: No! Not before talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Question: Should you meet with the other driver’s insurance company?
Answer: No! Not before talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Question: Is there any benefit to dealing with the other driver’s insurance company when someone has been injured?
Answer: No! Not before talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Question: If the accident was caused by a truck, should you deal with the trucking company?
Answer: No! Not before talking to an experienced personal injury attorney.
How to Handle Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company is responsible for paying you some medical benefits, but oftentimes those benefits are limited. In fact, your own insurance company may want you to give a recorded statement about your accident claim to keep from paying you all the benefits you deserve.
Therefore, we recommend that you always speak with an attorney BEFORE you give a recorded statement to any insurance company, including your own. While your policy may require you to give a recorded statement to your insurance company, you always have the right to speak with an attorney before you give the statement. You may have rights or insurance benefits available to you such as uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind:
Question: Is your own insurance company always on your side?
Answer: No!
Question: Will your insurance company protect you from the other driver’s insurance company?
Answer: No!
If you’ve been hurt in a serious car accident, it’s important to act fast. The sooner you contact our law firm, the sooner we can investigate your claim, preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and help build your case.
Our legal consultations are free and there’s no obligation to use our services. Robert F. Goings of the Goings Law Firm, LLC is available at 803-350-9230 to answer your questions. And remember, there’s never a fee unless we get money for you.
