The Other Insurance Company Called. Now What?
The Other Insurance Company Called. Now What?
It is important to realize that the other party’s insurance company is not concerned about your best interests. Whenever possible, it is better to not speak with them on your own.
You should speak with an attorney prior to talking to the other insurance company. It is preferable that you actually have your own counsel anytime you are interacting with the other insurance company.
Why Having Your Own Counsel is Vital When Speaking to the Other Insurance Company
In a word: protection. Having your own counsel on board while you deal with the other insurance company can prevent them from asking questions that could negatively impact your current claims value. Once the other insurance company has your name, address and driver’s license number, they can obtain any previous claims you made such as an accident that you had decades earlier in which you claimed a bodily injury. The other insurance company is likely to ask you questions and your answers could damage your case without you even realizing it. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an attorney there who can put a stop to the unnecessary questions and keep the focus on your current claim.
The Other Insurance Company Isn’t Trying to Help You(despite what they may say)
The reality is that the other insurance company is not looking out for your best interests. Instead, they are trying to keep their own shareholders happy. The primary way they’re going to try to do this is by paying out a little in claims as possible so the company can maximize its profits. Consumers are often surprised to learn that the insurance companies don’t actually care about protecting their own insured or the person who has been hurt. Their focus is on paying out as little as they possibly can on a claim.
Tricks That Insurance Companies Might Use
The insurance companies will use all kinds of tricks to try to avoid paying what your claim is worth. For example, they might question your decision to call the police if the accident wasn’t really your fault. They will probably argue that your medical bills aren’t reasonable and that they shouldn’t have to pay their full value. They may argue that you aren’t really hurt. This is why it’s vitally important for you to retain an attorney so that the other insurance company doesn’t get away with these “tricks of the trade.” An attorney will be able to show the insurance company exactly why your medical bills are reasonable. You must also be prepared to document all your injuries, all the property that was damaged and everything involved in the accident — complete with pictures.
The bottom line is that you need to realize that the other driver’s insurance company is not your friend. They are not there to help you out or to make sure you get when you deserve. This is why it’s so important to have someone — an attorney — in your corner, fighting for you every step of the way.
Contact Harris Cook Law Firm at (817) 275-8765if you have any questions or need to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. Harris Cook has convenient offices located in Mansfield, Arlington and Flower Mound.