You’re injured in a car accident. The insurance company representing the person or business that caused the car accident and injured you calls. What should you do? Should you answer it? Should you speak to them? If you speak to them, what should you say? What shouldn’t you say?
In this article, we will provide you with some tips on what to do if/when you receive a call from an insurance company following a car accident.
- Speak with an attorney first. If the insurance company representing the other driver is Progressive, don’t panic. They are likely calling you to try to get a quick, easy, and most importantly, cheap settlement (for them). Before speaking with them or agreeing to their offer (regardless of what it is or how great it may seem), speak to a car accident attorney first.
- Avoid “low ball” offers. Our firm recently filed a claim on a behalf of a client who was injured in a motorcycle accident. The claim was filed against Progressive. Their first offer was $27,000. Six months later, their second offer was $30,000. Our firm finally decided to file a lawsuit rather than deal with their ‘lowballing’. The final offer landed at $100,000. Regardless of what the insurance company says, they do not have your best interests at heart; they have theirs. Avoid accepting “low ball” offers by speaking with an experienced card accident attorney.
- “Policy Limits” aren’t the only limits. If Progressive Insurance Company or another insurance company offers paying you the ‘policy limits’, you may not want to settle. You could be leaving money on the table. Working with an attorney can make sure there isn’t another at-fault party responsible.
For example, if the accident involves an Uber or Lyft driver, or DoorDash then that company may be liable in some way. Perhaps it was a drunk driver who hit you who was overserved by a local bar or restaurant. In this case, the bar or restaurant may be liable to some degree.
All in all, there are many different strategies and tactics that competent personal injury lawyers who specialize in car accident cases can figure out how to collect compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.