After a car accident, your insurance provider needs to gather certain information to get the full context of the incident (damage to the vehicle, how the incidents occurred, etc.). These questions may seem to be inconsequential at face value, however, your answers to them can significantly impact your eligibility for compensation, the type of compensation you receive, and whether you are determined to be at fault.
If you have experienced a car accident and are apprehensive of discussing the incident with your insurer, review the most commonly asked questions below to prepare for your discussion.
Questions You Will Hear from Your Insurance Company
The first insurance company you’ll need to talk with is your own. This is, in part, because future communications between yours and the other party’s insurers will be determined largely by the information they gather directly from you. Your answers need to be as accurate and objective as possible to give them the best foundation on which to advocate for you.
You may be asked the following questions by your insurer:
- When and where was the accident? As soon as the accident occurs, you need to write down as many details as possible. This includes the exact location, time, and even environmental conditions. This provides the full context and allows your insurer to accurately assign fault.
- Who was involved? Unfortunately, many people attempt to lie about their presence at car accidents as a way to get out of paying for damages or injuries. Record every person that was present at the site to prevent the distribution of false information.
- Who was at fault? No matter what, do not admit fault. This is a quick way to be denied coverage. Allow the insurer to determine fault based on all provided information.
- Did you file a police report? Even if no one was injured or there wasn’t severe damage, you will need to file a police report to gain an objective account of the incident. This will be a point of consideration for your insurer as they review your claim.
- Were you injured? Injuries are not always apparent right away, so you should always seek medical attention immediately following an accident. Obtaining consistent medical documentation is essential if you have to file a personal injury claim.
These questions represent only a few of those your insurer may ask. Note that any additional questions are highly dependent on the severity and full context of your collision.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help
You will be subject to questioning not only from your insurer but the other party’s insurance company as well. During this time, you will need to be mindful of what incoming calls and requests for interviews you receive from the other insurer, especially if the other party is at fault. This is because insurers are always looking for an opportunity to cut costs by reducing payouts. To do this, they may twist your answers in favor of the other party.
To protect yourself from such tactics, you will need to hire an accident attorney. They will guide you through any questioning and advocate on your behalf by fighting for better compensation to help you recover from your incident.
