After being involved in a crash, you might feel compelled to immediately call your insurance provider. It seems like the logical step, right? You pay for insurance precisely for moments like this.
However, it’s essential to understand that insurance companies, despite their friendly commercials, operate with one primary goal: making a profit. This fundamental aspect of their business model means that they are always looking for ways to minimize payouts. With this in mind, it may be wise to pause and consider speaking personalized legal guidance before reaching out to your insurance company.
Why wait to talk to your insurer?
When you report an accident to your insurer without first seeking personalized feedback and support, you might inadvertently say something that could be used to devalue your claim. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in a manner that may lead you to make statements that undermine the severity of the incident or your injuries. Remember, these conversations are often recorded, and anything you say can be used to justify offering you a lower settlement than you deserve.
By seeking personalized support first, you can benefit from efforts designed to guide you on how to communicate the facts of the crash effectively, helping to ensure that you don’t unintentionally compromise the strength of your claim.
You’ll also want to avoid acting until you understand the full extent of your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to, which often includes more than just immediate medical expenses or damage to your vehicle. For instance, you might be eligible for compensation for lost wages, future medical treatments and pain and suffering, concerns that the insurance company might not volunteer information about.
While it might seem counterintuitive to wait to call your insurance provider after a crash, doing so can be a strategic move. You are not required by law to reach out immediately, so taking a short amount of time to make sure that your interests are protected first can be a wise course of action.
