The physical harm a motor vehicle accident can cause may last for weeks or months. However, emotional trauma can linger much longer than that for some victims.
The last thing you want to do as you are healing from your psychological and physical injuries is to talk with an insurance company. However, some victims receive unwanted calls from the other driver’s insurer in the days after an accident.
No legal obligation
In most cases, auto accident victims are under no obligation to speak with the insurance company representing an at-fault motorist. If an adjuster says it is your legal obligation to talk, end the conversation without disclosing information about the crash. You could also tell them to contact your insurance provider if they need information.
Tips for speaking with claims adjusters
Unfortunately, any discussion with a claims adjuster opens you up to the risk of accidentally saying too much. These professionally trained employees know how to get information without it seeming like an interview or interrogation.
Even a short and friendly discussion could harm your compensation, as insurance companies can use what you say against you. Here are some tips to keep in mind if the other driver’s insurer calls you. They can also be useful in dealing with your own insurance company.
- Provide nothing more than your basic personal information.
- Refuse requests to give written or recorded statements.
- Never apologize for anything (even for ending the call).
- Inform them politely that you cannot discuss the accident or injuries.
Insurance providers do not like to part with their profits and will generally make a strong effort to pay victims as little as possible. You can fight back with knowledge about New Mexico vehicle accident and injury compensation laws.