The time after an accident that wasn’t your fault can be painful and distressing. You may want to put this all behind you as quickly as possible. While it is natural to feel this way, you need to be aware of how statements you make today can impact the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
You may be contacted by an insurance adjuster asking to speak with you on the phone. We recommend that you do not do this until you have discussed your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney. They will be able to guide you through the process of pursuing compensation after you were injured in an accident someone else caused. This includes all conversations with insurance adjusters.
Admitting Fault
It’s crucial that you do not make any statements about fault for the accident. This includes saying, “I’m sorry.” It also includes statements related to making mistakes or wishing that you would have done something differently.
Anything you say to an adjuster on the phone can be used against you in your claim. It is not your job to speculate about who was at fault for the accident. Any statement that implies you were at fault can negatively impact the amount of compensation you might be eligible to receive.
Statements About How You Are Doing
Do not mention your current health at all. Don’t even say, “I’m feeling fine.” Do not make any guesses about any injuries you may have sustained.
Only a doctor can diagnose your injuries. Some injuries may not immediately present symptoms. These can include whiplash, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), internal bleeding, and hairline fractures. Because of this, it’s critical that you seek prompt medical attention. This will ensure that you receive the care that you need. It will also help prevent any injuries from getting worse.
In the event that you were to make a statement to an adjuster regarding your injuries, if the doctor’s subsequent diagnosis is more serious than your initial assessment and your statement to the adjuster, the insurance company can use the differences between diagnoses against you. This can potentially cause problems as you are pursuing compensation because it could seem as though you’re trying to make your injuries seem worse than they actually are.
Statements About What Happened During the Accident
Do not discuss the details of the accident in any way. They may seem straightforward, but that is often not the case. Don’t talk about what you were doing at the time, who had the right of way, what you were aware of at the time of the accident, or any other actions you did or didn’t take.
There will be an investigation to determine what happened. Leave this to your legal team. They will gather the evidence and documentation needed for your claim, and they will analyze these to determine the details of what occurred.
Avoid Making Any Recorded Statements
An adjuster may try to get you to make a recorded statement. This may seem reasonable, especially if you feel you have nothing to hide. There is only one reason that they are asking you to do this. They are hoping that you will say something that they can use against you.
If you make a recorded statement, it can have serious consequences for your case and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. An experienced personal injury attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies for you. By letting them represent you, you can rest easy knowing that you can speak openly with your attorney and not have to worry about what you should or should not say.
Do Not Accept Any Settlement Offers
Insurance companies are known for making settlement offers early. The time after an accident can be emotional and challenging. Because of this, you may be tempted to accept such an offer. You should be aware that these offers are almost always much lower than the full compensation to which you may be entitled.
An experienced attorney will be able to recognize unfair settlement offers right away. They will also handle all negotiations on your behalf. When you choose Evans Moore, LLC, you can trust that we will fight to pursue the maximum amount of compensation to which you may be entitled. Most cases are settled outside the courtroom. However, if negotiations are unsuccessful, we will be prepared to go to trial.
Contact Evans Moore, LLC Now
If you have been injured in an accident in South Carolina that was not your fault, you may be entitled to receive compensation. You need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible about your case.
Call (843) 995-5000 today to talk with a South Carolina injury and victim’s rights lawyer from Evans Moore, LLC. We are ready to schedule a free consultation with you. Let us take over your case so you can focus on your recovery and healing. Call us now.