If you get into an auto accident, it is in your best interests to notify your insurance company, even if you are not at fault. At this point, you may be worried about the questions your insurer will ask. A North Charleston car accident lawyer can go over these questions with you and help you avoid saying things that may hurt your chances of getting compensation.
Most Common Questions
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you deal with an insurance provider after a car crash. To learn more, reach out to us. In the meantime, we have provided five of the most common questions insurance companies ask following auto accidents below.
1. Who Was Involved in Your Accident?
Give your insurer the names of anyone involved in your collision. This includes your name and the contact information of any passengers in your car. It also requires you to share the name of the other driver.
2. When and Where Did Your Accident Happen?
If possible, provide your insurance provider with the approximate time and location when your accident occurred. Stick to the facts. If you cannot remember the time and location of your crash, let your insurer know.
3. Can You Tell Me the Make and Model of the Car You Were Driving at the Time of Your Accident?
Offer information about your car’s make and model. This helps your insurance company verify your car is covered. If you were driving someone else’s vehicle, you may not be covered.
4. Can You Describe the Damage to Your Car?
Share details about the severity of your car damage. If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident or any other type of collision, your insurer will want to know about the damage to your vehicle. That way, it can help you get your vehicle repaired or replaced.
5. Is There a Collision Report?
Tell your insurer if you called 911 after your crash and police officers came to the collision scene. If police officers assisted you following your accident, they will prepare a collision report. Both you and your insurance company may be able to access and review this report.
The team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm can offer insights into how to answer these questions from insurance companies. We can also answer frequently asked questions and many others about auto accident claims. To find out more, contact us today.
Insurance Company Questions You Should Not Answer After an Accident
An insurer may look for every opportunity to avoid paying out your claim. For example, if you get a call from an at-fault driver’s insurance company just days after your crash, the business may ask you a series of questions in the hopes of getting you to accept responsibility for the accident. These questions may include:
- What were you doing right before your crash?
- What direction were you traveling at the time of your accident?
- Were you wearing a seat belt when your accident happened?
- What led to your crash?
- Was the weather a factor in your collision?
- Did you get hurt?
- Did you receive medical care?
- Are you dealing with any pre-existing injuries?
- Will you sign a medical release authorization?
- Can I get a recorded statement from you?
If you receive any of these questions, do not answer them. Connect with an auto accident lawyer who can handle conversations with insurance companies on your behalf. Your attorney can discuss your claim with insurers and help you avoid saying things that could compromise your request for damages.
How to Deal with Questions About Shared Liability
Per the South Carolina Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act, you may be found partly responsible for an auto accident. In this situation, you may be able to recover only a portion of the damages you incur. If you are primarily responsible for your collision, you may not be able to get any compensation.
An insurance company may pressure you to accept some or total responsibility for your crash, regardless of whether you are in any way at fault. Rather than risk saying something that could lead an insurer to believe you are somehow liable for your crash, let a lawyer speak for you. Your attorney can answer an insurance provider’s questions for you, limiting your risk of mistakes that could otherwise put your claim in danger.
Of course, just because you have an attorney to represent you in discussions with an insurer does not mean you will get damages. You are still responsible for the burden of proof if you are dealing with a catastrophic injury or any other issues relating to your accident. If you provide sufficient evidence to support your request for damages, you can make it clear that an at-fault motorist caused your accident and should be held 100% responsible for it.
How an Insurance Company Will Treat Your Claim
Your insurance company will contact an at-fault driver’s insurer, and both will investigate your crash. Ideally, the facts surrounding your collision will show the other motorist is fully at fault. If this happens, an insurer may pay out your claim.
Unfortunately, an at-fault driver’s insurer is focused on protecting its client, and it may do everything within its power to avoid paying you compensation. The business may choose not to process your claim promptly, blame you for your accident, and misrepresent their client’s insurance coverage and policy limits. It may also offer you a settlement that is well short of your actual losses.
To receive a fair car accident settlement, partner with an experienced lawyer. Your attorney understands the ins and outs of auto accident claims and the tactics insurers use to protect against large payouts. They can help you navigate the claims process and put you in a great position to secure the compensation you want.
Get Legal Help with Your Auto Accident Claim
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm is a trusted choice for auto accident victims in South Carolina. Our team can take a look at your car crash claim and help you pursue damages from any at-fault parties. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
