You must place a series of phone calls following a car crash in California. You should call 911 to have police sent to the scene of your crash, and you should also contact your immediate family members to let them know what has happened. Additionally, calling a car accident lawyer to discuss your case is paramount.
You will need to reach out to your auto insurance company at some point as well to inform them of your involvement in a crash, along with insurance companies for other drivers involved in it. This will help you submit claims to cover medical bills, auto repair costs, and other expenses from your car accident.
However, you should be careful about what you say to insurance company representatives, as even one wrong move could backfire. Find out the one thing you should never say below.
What Not To Say to an Insurance Company
In the immediate aftermath of a crash, the last thing you want to do is admit fault. Avoid accepting responsibility for an accident at all costs, even if you may have played a part in it.
This means you should avoid saying something like, “It was my fault.” In fact, you’ll want to be careful not to say anything that someone might misinterpret as you accepting fault for a crash, such as:
- “I’m sorry.”
- “I apologize.”
- “My bad.”
- “My mistake.”
- “I can’t believe I did that.”
You might instinctually want to offer an apology as a courtesy to your insurance company or the insurers for others. However, you will make a huge mistake if you take this approach when communicating with an insurer.
What To Say to an Insurance Company Instead
So, if you shouldn’t admit fault or apologize when speaking with someone from an auto insurance company, then what should you say? Generally speaking, a motor vehicle injury lawyer from a trusted auto accident law firm will advise you to simply “stick to the facts.”
The “facts” will include basic information about your crash, such as when and where it occurred and who else was involved. Do not share personal feelings or opinions about your crash; instead, focus on factual information that others won’t misinterpret.
Why You Should Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Before Saying Anything to an Insurance Company
Some people believe they must call auto insurance companies right after accidents occur without consulting a personal injury car lawyer first. This is far from the truth.
While you’re welcome to contact these companies first if you want, a car crash legal expert will typically recommend you reach out to a reputable road accident attorney before doing anything else. This lawyer will provide more information on what you should say to an insurer — and, perhaps more importantly, what you should not say.
Furthermore, you should count on a car accident lawyer to answer other questions and address lingering concerns. They will also remain by your side if you take legal action against another driver following a crash they caused.
Let an Auto Collision Attorney From Our Firm Help in the Aftermath of an Accident
Are you confused about how to communicate with an auto insurance company after a crash? A car accident lawyer from The Cifarelli Law Firm is here to help you work through what is often a confusing situation.
We will also offer assistance if you decide to pursue a legal case and put you in a position to seek the compensation you need. Call us today at 949-409-6324 for a free consultation.
