You can call the insurance company to inform them of the accident and your need for medical treatment. However, it is important to be aware of the risks of talking to the insurance company before speaking to a qualified lawyer.
If you have questions after being injured in a car crash, give Schmidt Kramer a call today to schedule a free consultation. Our car accident lawyers in Harrisburg are here to answer your questions and explain your legal options. There are no upfront fees or obligations, which means there is no risk in talking to one of our attorneys.
Insurance companies regularly deny and devalue claims to protect their bottom line. You need someone in your corner fighting for your best interests.
Talking to the Insurance Company First
It is important to remember the insurance company is not your friend. The people you talk to may be nice and friendly on the phone, but their end goal is to pay out the least possible amount of compensation. That means they are looking for something to use against you, such as statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault or statements minimizing the extent of your injuries.
When you talk to the insurance company, you should keep the conversation brief. Simply tell them you were in an accident, provide basic information about the crash (when and where the crash occurred), and tell them you are receiving medical treatment. You do not need to give them a detailed account of the crash or the injuries you suffered. They can learn more about this when they investigate, review police reports and review medical records related to your crash injuries.
You can tell the insurance company you called the police and exchanged insurance information with the other driver. You can even provide the other driver’s insurance information to your insurance company. There is no need to be combative with the insurance company, you simply need to avoid saying things that could be used against you.
It can be a bad idea to say much more than that or answer too many questions from the insurance company. You can end the conversation at your discretion and politely decline to answer questions you are unsure of. You would be surprised to learn how easy it is to say something the insurance company may use against you.
Advantages of Talking to a Lawyer First
Sometimes claims are minor in scope, and accident victims may be able to file the claim themselves. However, if you are seriously injured or have lingering pain, it may be difficult to know the full extent of your injuries until you have gone through more treatment. You may need significant compensation to pay for your treatment and the other damages you may be dealing with.
Regardless of how serious or minor your injuries may be, you can benefit from calling an attorney to discuss the situation. An experienced attorney can give you an informed opinion about what your legal options may be, and whether the insurance company is likely to deny your claim or offer far less than what your claim may be worth.
If you hire a lawyer, he or she can represent you from the beginning of the claims process until the end. That means your attorney can talk to the insurance company on your behalf. An experienced attorney knows how insurance companies operate and how to protect the full value of a claim.
Talking to a lawyer can also provide peace of mind that your claim is in good hands. After all, the lawyer’s best interest is your best interest – recovering maximum compensation.
Call Schmidt Kramer Today to Discuss Your Crash
Whether you have already contacted the insurance company or not, Schmidt Kramer may be able to assist you. We offer a free initial consultation to determine if you may have a case and what help we may be able to provide.
Our firm has secured tens of millions in compensation on behalf of our clients, many of whom were victims of car crashes. There are no upfront fees for our services, which means no fees while working on your case. We do not get paid unless you get paid.
No upfront fees. No risks. Call today: (717) 510-1770.