What Makes a ‘Good’ Car Accident Claim?
Posted in: Car Accidents
After a car accident, the insurance companies involved will likely ask for your statement. While insurers (yours & the other drivers’) may present themselves as supportive, their real aim is usually to reduce or deny your claim to protect their bottom line.
Insurance Claims After a Car Accident
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR), our dedicated Ohio car accident lawyers know exactly how insurance adjusters work. Many of our attorneys formerly represented insurers and now leverage this insider knowledge to help victims just like you.
Don’t navigate the insurance claim process after an Ohio car accident alone. Speak with an experienced car accident lawyer at KNR to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Call 1-800-HURT-NOW or contact KNR today for a free, no-risk consultation.
Why Insurance Companies Request Statements After Car Accidents
Insurance companies typically request recorded statements following an accident. While this may seem straightforward, adjusters are trained to ask questions strategically, aiming to reduce liability and diminish the compensation you’re entitled to.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement after a Car Accident?
You are not legally obligated to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance. It’s best to consult a car accident lawyer first, ensuring your statement does not unintentionally harm your claim.
The Risks of Giving a Statement Without Legal Guidance
Speaking directly to an insurance adjuster without legal guidance can lead to costly mistakes. Even innocent comments may later be twisted to suggest fault or minimize your injuries.
Mistakes to Avoid when Speaking with Insurance
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating.
- Never downplay your injuries or damages.
- Refrain from guessing or giving uncertain details.
Having a knowledgeable attorney helps avoid pitfalls during insurance communications.
What Tricks Do Insurance Companies Use When Getting Statements?
Our attorneys have firsthand experience handling insurance claims, giving us crucial insights into common insurance company strategies:
- Asking misleading or confusing questions
- Encouraging quick settlements that undervalue your losses
- Minimizing the extent of your injuries
- Pressuring victims into providing statements prematurely
Insurance adjusters often frame questions to trick you into admitting fault, doubting your own injuries, or limiting your future claims. KNR attorneys know these strategies intimately and shield you from unfair tactics.
Your Legal Rights During Car Accident Insurance Investigations?
Being aware of your rights and knowing how to assert them protects your claim and ensures you’re treated fairly:
- You have the right to decline a recorded statement to another driver’s insurance company.
- You can request legal representation during any interaction with insurers.
- You are entitled to consult your attorney before submitting a statement to your own insurance company.
You have the right to professional legal counsel during every stage of an insurance investigation. KNR attorneys are prepared to guide you through this complex process and defend your rights vigorously.
FAQs About Insurance Statements after Car Accidents
What Questions Will Insurance Adjusters Ask After My Car Accident?
Adjusters ask about your actions before, during, and after the accident, your injuries, treatments, and daily impacts. KNR prepares you thoroughly to answer truthfully without jeopardizing your claim.
Can An Insurance Company Deny a Claim Based on My Statement?
Insurers routinely use recorded statements to find grounds to minimize or deny claims. Working with an attorney significantly reduces these risks.
What If I Refuse a Recorded Statement after an Accident?
You are entitled to decline a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without penalty. Always discuss your options with an attorney first.
Should I Talk to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance After an Accident?
You are not legally required to speak directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s usually best to have an attorney from KNR handle these communications to protect your claim.
Whose Insurance Pays for My Injuries—Mine or the At-Fault Driver?
Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays for your injuries. However, situations involving uninsured or underinsured drivers may require your own policy to cover damages. KNR helps clarify and pursue your best option.
How Soon After My Accident Will Insurance Request a Statement?
Insurance companies usually request recorded statements soon after an accident, often within days. It’s important to speak to an attorney at KNR first to avoid rushing into providing details that could weaken your claim.
Can My Lawyer Speak to the Insurance Adjuster for Me?
Yes. Once KNR represents you, we handle all interactions with insurers, reducing stress and protecting your interests.
Do I Have to Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?
No. Early settlement offers are typically much lower than your claim’s actual value. Consulting KNR ensures your settlement reflects the true scope of your injuries and losses.
Need Legal Help with Insurance after an Auto Accident? Choose KNR
Across Ohio, KNR is recognized as a trusted and authoritative advocate for car accident victims. Our attorneys have considerable experience handling every type of auto accident insurance claim and a track record of successful settlements and verdicts. Many KNR attorneys previously represented insurance companies, giving us a deep understanding of their tactics to reduce or deny claims.
When you partner with KNR, we:
- Simplify the insurance claims process so you can focus on healing.
- Fully protect your rights during every stage of your claim.
- Pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Our “No Recovery, No Fee” Guarantee means you pay nothing unless we successfully secure compensation for you.
Contact an Experienced Ohio Car Accident Insurance Lawyer
Before speaking with any insurance adjuster or agreeing to provide a recorded statement, contact KNR. We offer a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation to clearly outline your options and guide your next steps.
Call 1-800-HURT-NOW or contact us for your free, no-risk evaluation.
Other Types of Car Accidents
- Car Accident Settlements
- Car Accident Compensation
- Car Accident Liability & Fault
- Unable to Work after an Accident
- What to Do After an Accident?
- Passenger Injuries
- Car Accident Lawsuits
- Getting Your Car Repaired
- Short-Term Disability
- Insurance Statement
- Ohio Car Accident Laws
- Expert Witnesses