You were just involved in a car accident. A few days have passed and you are getting medical treatment for your injuries. But now the negligent driver’s insurance company keeps calling and wants to speak with you. You are likely asking yourself: Do I have to speak with the negligent driver’s insurance company?
I will discuss this topic in this blog post.
First: You Do Not Have To Speak With The Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company
Under Florida law, you are under no obligation to speak with the other driver’s insurance company.
I realize this may seem counterintuitive. The party’s large, well-known insurance wants to speak with about paying for the damage to your car. It seems like you should be required to discuss this and other outstanding issues.
But again, you do no have to speak with the negligent driver’s insurance company. There’s no law, rule, or statute that requires it.
So why then would the negligent driver’s insurance company want to speak with you?
Second: The Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company Wants To Collect Information About Your Claim
The negligent driver’s insurance company wants to gather as much information about your injuries and whether you will pursue a claim. While the insurance adjuster may seem friendly, make no mistake. The insurance company wants to gather as much information as possible to prepare its defenses and protect its interests.
What should I do if the insurance adjuster catches me on the phone?
Third: What Do You Recommend I Do When The Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company Calls Me
If you have a potential injury claim, I strongly advise you do not speak with the insurance company.
If an insurance adjuster catches you on the phone, politely tell him or her that you are ending the call. And if you have an attorney, tell the insurance adjuster to call your attorney. This is especially important, as lawyers may not speak directly with persons who have counsel.
Are there any times you can speak with the insurance adjuster? Yes. If you are certain you do not have a potential personal injury claim and only have vehicle damage, then yes. But be careful. Some injuries may not appear right away. So if you tell an insurance adjuster you were not injured and then later your injuries begin to manifest, this may hurt your claim.
Barthelette Law, Your Boca Raton Accident Lawyer
At Barthelette Law, we represent accident victims and are here to answer your questions.
If you or a loved one get hurt in an accident, call us today!