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Should I Call a Lawyer Before My Insurance?

If the insurance company tries to contact you directly, just redirect them to your car accident attorney.

After being involved in a car accident, the other party’s insurance company will likely try to contact you several times. Though they may tell you how understanding and sorry they are of your situation, you should never assume they are on your side.

insurance adjuster requesting information from an injury victim

Insurance adjusters have to think about what’s the best deal for their company, even if that means giving you less compensation than you would otherwise deserve. For them, it’s business. When an adjuster personally calls you, they will likely ask for one of three things:

1. Your Social Security Number

While it’s true you may need to give your social security number to certain parties, the insurance company is generally not one of them. There is no reason why you should provide the company with your social security number. If they ask, you should politely decline, and if they insist, tell them you first want to talk to your St. Louis car accident lawyer.

2. A Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters will want you to give an official statement, and record it. This is a common practice in these cases, but it’s vital not to accept to give this statement without an attorney present.

This won’t be a friendly conversation about the accident. Adjusters will ask you about everything that took place that day and before, and any contradictions in your story can hurt your case. A lawyer, on the other hand, can prep you for these questions and intervene if the adjuster is overstepping with questions that have no relevance to your case.

In fact, it’s generally best to refuse to speak to an adjuster even on the phone. Conversations that you think are informal and off the record could be added to evidence later.

3. Access to Your Information

Insurance companies will conduct their own investigation into the accident, but they’ll also investigate you. They will look into the past to find anything that may help them dismiss or lower your claim. The good news is that not all that information is public.

For some of it, they need your consent, such as your medical records. Now, even if you think there is nothing to find there, never give the insurance company access to your information. The relevant facts of the case are most likely already on file, and anything extra just helps them find something that hurts your case.

Speak With a Car Accident Attorney ASAP

After deciding to file a claim for your car accident injuries or damages, consider working with a St. Louis auto accident lawyer. They can help with all the matters involving insurance adjusters, from what documents they can or cannot access to the questions posed during depositions.

Every time the insurance company tries to contact you directly, just redirect them to your attorney.

Give us a call 24/7 for a FREE consultation :: (314) 361-4242

Updated: November 4, 2022