It is always best to let your insurance company handle all matters directly with the other insurance company involved in an accident claim. You are not required to discuss any details of the claim with the other insurance company. This is especially important when there are personal injury claims. It is easy for something to be taken out of context or misunderstood, which could jeopardize your claim. The other insurance company may attempt to contact you and even pressure you to provide information to process the claim. Politely decline and suggest they direct any questions regarding the matter to your insurance company or attorney.
You should be especially wary of a call from the other driver’s insurance company when they ask for your permission to record the conversation. That means they will turn on a recording device and everything you say will be recorded. Generally, you do not get a copy unless you specifically condition your permission on getting a copy. Even so, it is best to consult an attorney before creating any written recordings.
Your insurance company is responsible for gathering information about the accident and negotiating a fair settlement. That is what they are licensed and paid to do. There is only one instance when it is prudent for you to talk to the other insurance company. In what are called “third party claims”, the other party involved is clearly at fault, so the claim is filed with the other person’s insurance company. This is only after they have admitted fault or it has already been determined. Otherwise, it is not advisable to talk to the insurance company of the other person involved in the accident. Even then, it is often advisable to have an attorney do it for you. Remember they handle insurance claims every day. They will have more knowledge and more information than you. It is best to have someone you can rely upon with just as much knowledge and usually much more. At BKW Law, we request that any questions about pending insurance claims be directed to your attorney or insurance agent. We can suggest the best course of action regarding your claim.
If you’ve been in an auto accident and are looking for representation from a local personal injury attorney in the greater Manchester area, please contact us and we will reach out immediately to discuss your claim.