Why Is the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Calling Me?

When you are injured in a car accident, the other person is responsible for the losses you have. So, why is their insurance company calling you? There are some situations where this can happen, and in most cases, it is not beneficial to you to talk to them. 

We often receive questions like this. “Why is the other driver’s insurance company calling me and asking me questions about the accident?” “Do I have to talk to the insurance company for the other driver?”

When you are in an accident that someone else caused, it is critical to know your rights. That is why, before you settle your case or make a claim, you should have the help of an experienced accident attorney by your side. At John Foy & Associates, an Atlanta car accident lawyer works closely with our clients to ensure you remain protected through this process, and that often means handling the other insurance companies for you.

They Want Your Information and for You to Mess Up

Why is that insurance company calling you? There is one key reason they do so. They want you to say something – anything – that could allow them to shift at least some of the blame for the car accident to you because by doing that, they may be able to reduce what they pay you in compensation.

It is not uncommon for the insurance company to call to verify information. They often start up very friendly and even very apologetic to you that you are going through this. They may make statements like they want to “make sure you get your claim” or “get your claim settled fast.” 

The key thing to remember here is that their job is not to meet your needs but rather to settle your claim for less than what you are owed. That saves them money.

What Not to Say to an Insurance Company

Insurance companies want to get information from you that they can use against you. Even if they sound like great people who want to help, their job is not to make this easy for you. Some of the ways they may do this include the following:

• Get you to say that, in some way, the accident is your fault
• Provide information about past medical conditions you have been diagnosed with that may have occurred prior to the accident
• Convince you that the amount you are claiming is too high or even “ridiculous”
• Pressure you to settle the claim quickly and often for the lowest possible amount
• Get you to make a statement that negates previous statements you make, trying to trick you
• Get you to admit that you were distracted at the time of the accident
• Show that you had a few drinks or were using prescription medications at the time of the incident
• Tell you that your injuries or other claims are not justified or included

Insurance companies want to pay out the least amount possible in every case, but they often know that they cannot do that outright. If you have a police report and other evidence showing that you are owed compensation, they have to go to work to find a way to reduce that figure.

What to Do if the Insurance Company Wants to Talk to You

In every case like this, it is best not to speak to the insurance company and instead inform them that your attorney is handling your case for you. That statement warns them that they need to reach out to an attorney to gather information, but they still may try to pressure you. Some may even claim that you are legally required to talk to them or that your claim will be denied if you do not talk to them, talk to them right now, or agree to a settlement right away.

Do not fall for these claims. Instead, contact your accident attorney to discuss your case with you. We offer a free consultation that can turn into a working relationship right away, giving you the legal protections you need sooner.

Protect Yourself

If you have not spoken to an injury attorney yet, and the insurance company is requesting information from you, do not feel as though you have to speak to them. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Be polite to the insurance company. The more aggressive you are, the more aggressive they will be.
• Provide only facts. Do not allow them to get you to talk about the incident with anything but what you have already told the police.
• Do not speculate on what occurred even if they ask you to. They may say, “So, what do you think is the reason the other driver hit you?”
• Get all of their information, including the adjuster’s name as well as phone number, and any other details. Be sure to ask about anyone else that may be monitoring the call.
• You have the ability to refuse to have your information recorded. If they ask if they can record the call, tell them no.
• Do not discuss your injuries with them. Even if you feel fine, do not communicate this information.
• Never provide any information as a “guess,” such as “I am guessing I will need more treatment.”

Provide the least amount of information possible in this case. Doing so protects you. We do not recommend talking to insurance companies on your own, though, in any situation. 

It is simply often a way for insurance companies to be unfair to you about the compensation owed. Our case results speak for themselves.

Let Us Provide You with a Free Consultation Now

Let the phone go to voicemail, and allow us to help you when the other driver’s insurance company calls you. Contact the John Foy & Associates team for a free consultation. We can tell you what to do and what not to do right away, and that often means you gain the legal support you need to avoid all of these potential risks. 

Contact us right now for a free consultation to discuss your case. We are here to help.