Following a car accident, adrenaline runs high and it’s common to experience some shock. There’s an urgency to gather and exchange information with the other driver, document damages, file a police report, and recall the moments leading up to the accident.
But you want to avoid accidentally giving too much information or saying something that could potentially hinder a claim down the line. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and deal with insurance companies and claims and, if you’ve been injured, get you the fair settlement you deserve.
Immediately after an accident, it’s important to stick to the facts needed to file an insurance claim and remember that each party is responsible for gathering their own information.
What Information to Share After a Car Accident
A few details you and another driver should exchange following an accident are:
- Contact Information: including name, address, and phone number
- Insurance Information: company names and policy numbers
- License Number and License Plate: standard for any police report
- Car Information: including make, model, and color, which is helpful for a police report
You should refrain from talking with the other driver about details of the accident. When emotions are running high, you could say unknowingly something that might undermine your case.
Information to Share with Law Enforcement
The role of law enforcement after an accident is to ask direct questions about the events of the crash and record the facts from all parties and witnesses. You should always answer their questions honestly, but it’s not your job to have all the facts or answers. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know” when appropriate and important to avoid filling in details when you’re unsure.
What to Share with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses with whom you have a contract. They are in the business of making money, not paying it. They will usually do everything in their power to minimize damages (the payout of injury claims), and the questions to you after an accident may impact your claims. In order to avoid legal missteps and contractual pitfalls, it is best to contact a car accident attorney right away so that you can get advice as to what to speak with the insurance company about, if anything.
In general, the attorneys at Kajy Law will speak to the insurance company on your behalf with respect to the claims we represent you for, meaning you don’t need to worry about what to say and what not to say. This means from start to finish, you won’t have to worry about communicating with the insurance company about your car accident injury claims.
What to Avoid Posting on Social Media
Though you may be tempted to post about an accident, vehicle damage, injuries, or updates, insurance companies are looking anywhere and everywhere for information and details to undermine your case. Avoid posting about an accident on social media until your case has been settled.
Contact Kajy Law for Help Today
Kajy Law’s dedicated accident team has a documented history of success with helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve while providing the care and support they need along the way.
Call 877-KAJY- CARES or contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
