Your insurance company may require you to provide a statement, sign a medical release, and/or submit to a medical exam. You have a right to hire a personal injury attorney before you give your insurance company a statement about your accident or sign any paperwork.
An attorney can give you advice on how you should talk to your insurance company after a car accident.
What You Say Could Put Your Case at Risk
If you were in a car accident in Ohio, consider hiring legal representation before giving a statement to an insurer.
Even if you do not plan to file a claim with your insurance policy, giving your insurance company a statement still carries risks, such as:
- Your insurance company might share your statement with the other driver’s insurance company (third-party insurance company).
- The third-party insurance company may take your words out of context or otherwise use your statement to reduce your settlement or deny your claim.
- You may have to eventually file a claim with your insurance company (e.g., uninsured or underinsured claims), and your statement could hurt your claim.
Before you give a statement, share your medical records, or agree to a medical exam, explore your options for legal representation. We can help you protect and preserve your rights.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
What Not to Say to Your Insurance Company
While it is okay to share basic information, talking about specific details could put your case at risk. Some riskier topics include:
- What happened to cause the accident
- Who caused the accident
- What you did before the accident
- Any injuries you may have
- If you believe you do not have any injuries
- Any other detail of the accident, your injuries, or other damages
How to Handle a Call from the Insurance Adjuster
You may need to report your accident before you have a chance to hire a lawyer. A representative from your insurance company might call you about the crash, as well. If this happens, you must know how to handle the call.
You can give them general information about the accident, including:
- Your name
- The name of others involved in the crash
- The date and time of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The insurance company of the other driver
- The make and model of cars involved
However, it is paramount you only state the facts and do not speculate. Avoid any discussion of fault or injuries.
If they ask you directly what happened, you can tell them you would prefer to give a written statement. We can help you with this process. You can also politely decline their request for additional information until after you have obtained a lawyer.
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A Lawyer from Our Team Can Fight for Your Rights
We can help protect your right to recover compensation after an Ohio car accident. We will handle all aspects of your legal case, including calculating your damages so you seek a fair settlement agreement. We can also help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
Building a case requires:
- Documenting and photographing the car accident scene
- Collecting official records related to the accident
- Identifying the liable parties
- Collecting evidence to prove negligence and liability
- Enlisting experts, including accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts
- Documenting your damages and ongoing care costs
We will take legal action against the liable party or parties in your case. Sometimes we can negotiate a settlement agreement that allows us to recover compensation for your damages. In other cases, we may need to file a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to civil trial to pursue a payout on your behalf.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Related: How Does One Receive Compensation after a Car Accident in Ohio?
Avoid Discussing Your Accident With Anyone Else
After a car accident, you should also refrain from discussing specific details with anyone else, especially on social media. Avoid posting pictures, identifying the other party, or discussing what happened on any public website. Even if your account is private, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Related: How do I Look Up an Accident Report?
Do Not Delay When Seeking Compensation
Insurers will usually call you shortly after an accident. Additionally, you must report your accident to the police within a certain period of time if substantial injuries and property damage occur. The sooner you reach out to our firm, the better you will be able to protect yourself.
If you do choose to seek compensation and we cannot secure a fair settlement from an insurer, we can take legal action on your behalf. You do not have an unlimited amount of time to do so, though. According to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2305.10, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you wait too long to file, you risk having your case dismissed by the court. Keep in mind that investigating an accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers can take some time.
Related: If I'm in an Accident Involving a Car and Semi-Trailer, and the Truck is at Fault, Should I Settle?
Talk to Us About Your Crash
Bressman Law can help if your accident occurred in central Ohio. We offer free case reviews and handle these cases on a contingency basis. We do not receive payment until you do.
Call us today to get started. We will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
