I was in an automobile accident and my car was totaled. It was the other driver’s fault. How should I deal with their insurance company?
Short answer: you don’t.
Many experts would advise you against speaking with the other person’s insurance company. While you do need to call your own car insurance company to report the accident, you are under no obligation to talk to the other driver’s insurance carrier.
The best way to deal with the other insurance carrier in most serious car accidents is to consult with a personal injury attorney. He or she will deal with them.
Why should you do that?
The other driver’s insurance company isn’t looking out for you. (See how to tell when you need a lawyer.)
The other insurance company isn’t your friend
Insurance companies always have a financial interest in protecting the interests of their client. And of course, they have an interest in protecting their own financial interests. They represent both interests by doing two things as much as they can:
- Denying the maximum number of car accident claims outright.
- Negotiating the lowest possible settlement possible on other car accident claims.
This boils down to the following: to reduce claims they pay, the insurance company must deny claims made.
Most car accident victims aren’t insurance adjusters or attorneys.
The insurance adjuster knows that. You’re on their home field and it’s their rules. They will use their superior knowledge of the insurance claims game against you.
Why it’s risky to talk to other insurance companies
By talking to the insurance adjuster for the other driver, there is a good chance that you are mucking up your own case. That insurance company will try to use whatever you say against you later in the claim, whether it was your fault or not. Insurance adjusters are very well trained to use what you say against you.
Look, there is no legal requirement for you to cooperate or talk to the other insurance company.
But this will rarely or ever stop that insurance company from trying to contact you. If they do, it’s a good idea to not take the call and to talk to an attorney.
When you do speak to anyone about the accident, note the details of your conversation in your post-accident journal (link opens printable PDF form).
They will want to record you
If you talk to the other driver’s insurance company, the adjuster will probably want a recorded statement. The adjuster will chat you up in a very friendly way, and say something like:
‘We can really speed up the claims process if you provide a recorded statement.’
A recorded statement may be very damaging. Sometimes, your statement may actually show that you do not have a valid accident claim. If you don’t have a claim, your injuries and property damage are on you.
The bigger problem is that a recorded statement can be used to undermine a legitimate accident claim. Here’s some sneaky ways they might do that:
- The insurance adjuster will look at the statement you give them with the statement you gave the police. They also will read over the statement you would make if the case involves a lawsuit.
If they spot any inconsistencies in these statements, the claim might get denied. It’s not unusual for a person to tell the accident story slightly differently if he gives it four or five times over three months.
- Adjusters will often ask you tricky questions that can make you answer in a way that hurts your claim. Occasionally, an aggressive adjuster may push you to agree to facts that you don’t know are accurate. You might get annoyed, and say, ‘I guess so,’ to get the guy to leave you alone. That could hurt your case big time.
- If your car accident case goes to trial, the defense can use your recorded statement to the insurance company to cross examine you. That could have been months ago, and heck if you can remember what you said. Any contradiction you make with your previous statement can be very damaging. A good defense attorney will highlight the discrepancy for a jury and make hay out of it.
Let’s be fair: Not every insurance company will play games with you on the phone. But if they do try to undermine your case, it can really screw things up.
See the steps to an insurance claim settlement to get an idea of the overall process.
You don’t know your whole medical situation
If you had a serious car accident and had major injuries, your full medical diagnosis may not be complete. You could give an inaccurate portrayal of your injuries.
That’s why insurance adjusters are notorious for trying to get on the phone with car accident victims ASAP. They want to get a good idea of what the case likely is worth. This is known as a ‘reserve value.’
Once the adjuster has the reserve value in mind, good luck getting a settlement above that amount. If you talk to them without an attorney, you could give out inaccurate information that sets an artificially low reserve amount.
That boosts the odds that a lawsuit will have to be filed. Which means you could have to wait months to get paid. If you win. If you lose, you get nothing.
There are exceptions where you may talk
We’re talking car accidents and insurance companies, so there are exceptions.
If you have a minor car accident, the other driver is 100% at fault and it is clear, you might talk to the other adjuster to get the matter settled fast. You might consider doing so if the police report states the other driver caused the wreck. If the other driver was cited by the police – even better.
But if your accident and injuries involve any of the following, get a personal injury attorney involved:
- Broken bones, stays in hospitals, long term health consequences
- Medical treatments more than $2000
- Missing more than a day or two of work/school or normal activities
- Any dispute about who was at fault
- Several people were injured
- Insurance companies are playing rough
You do need to give a statement to your own car insurance company
As we noted earlier, you do have a contractual obligation to cooperate with your car insurance company.
Your insurance policy may contain language that requires you to give a recorded statement if the adjuster requests it. If they do ask, you can ask the adjuster to tell you the exact language in the contract that requires it.
Remember that your own insurance company can potentially take a position against you. So, you should think very carefully about every fact you give in a recorded statement to your insurance carrier.
But many experts would advise you to not give a recorded statement to any insurance company at all without the advice of a personal injury lawyer.
Get in touch with a personal injury attorney today if you aren’t sure about dealing with either insurance company. Our handy law firms directory can help.
Contact us toll-free at (800) 908-6860 or
Bb says
I was in a car accident an no fault of my own a man an. His wife ran a red light An the elderly man said ‘‘twas green. An his wife was his whiteness a man behind Essen the whole wreck a gave. His. Name a address to. PD aN. There insurance com called me
An I gave a statement too. Them. Over the P. An now they. Said I have t go there a talk. Tothem. Is. The. Normal
Lance Buchanan says
We’re sorry to hear about your accident, Bp. When in doubt, we recommend contacting a car accident attorney near you to find out if that’s normal and protect your legal rights. Most law firms offer a free first consultation, so there’s nothing to lose.
Angel says
So i was in a wreck last month on 29th it was a jeep full of teenage boys that did an illegal u turn full force into me and im pregnant so i went to er rignt then well a friend told me try hawk law well they domt seem to be helpin they tryin to make me go thru my insurance for them to deal wit my car and say the other persons insurance will pay my insurance back and i don’t feek i shukd have to go thru mine because i wasnt at fault they were and their insurance hasnt even spoke with them idk what to do but i need a vehicle to go to dr appts. And work which i habe been out of for a week….
Lance Buchanan says
Thanks for sharing your story, Angel. We hope you and your baby are okay after the accident. While it may seem counterintuitive, we recommend following your attorney’s advice and filing a claim with your insurance company. In certain states, like Florida, that is how accident claims are supposed to be handled — the victim files a claim with their own insurance company, then the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays the victim’s insurance company back. It may be frustrating to go through this process, but it may be necessary to obtain legal compensation depending on where you live. Ultimately, an attorney will know the best way to secure compensation under local and state law, so follow their advice. Once you file a claim with your insurance company, they may also be able to provide you with a temporary vehicle you can use for work and doctor appointments.
Ben says
Hi there, I was the victim of a car accident which left me with a severe neck strain and a mild concussion. While exiting the highway, we were waiting to go thru a green light behind a bunch of cars that were slow moving. A young man exited the highway as well, apparently just saw the green light and crashed full speed into my car hoping to catch the light. My car is likely total. The kid kept apologizing and admitted to me that he wasn’t paying attention b/c on his phone. Since I was in pain, the police did not take my statement. I went straight to the hospital. Should I add that statement on the police report or is it too late? I believe the policeman told my spouse that he cited the driver w/ reckless driving. His insurance must have talked to him since they are taking full responsibility for the accident. Also, can you ask the insurance to buy you the exact same car or do you have to accept their settlement which is likely lower than buying the exact same car at a dealer? My first car accident. Hopefully, the last one. Advice: wear your seatbelt, it saved my life. Thank you for your help.
Ian Pisarcik says
Ben,
I’m glad you were wearing your seat belt. It’s probably not necessary to add your statement to the police report since the insurer is taking full responsibility. You can always provide your statement later should the case become a lawsuit. Generally, an insurer will make a settlement offer based on their evaluation of the value of the car. However, you don’t have to just accept this amount. If they make a settlement offer that you think is lower than it should be, you can counter with a higher offer. Because you suffered injuries, I would strongly consider talking with an attorney before you accept the insurer’s settlement offer. An attorney can often get you more money than the insurer initially offers.
Sharly says
Hello,
A woman veered into my car while doing a lane change. Her SUV pushed me up against the curb. Besides damage to my door, vender and front bumper, 3 of my rims are gauged and scuffed up due to hitting the curb and her front right wheel driving into my drivers side. She got the ticket and her insurance company said they’d take care of everything. That was Nov. 11th. Today the auto collision place calls and says her ins. company isn’t paying for the wheels. She damaged them. So now I don’t know what the next step is.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
S.V.
Lance Buchanan says
Thanks for sharing your story, Sharly. That’s frustrating. We’d suggest talking with your own insurance company to find out the next best steps. If nobody was injured in the accident, then hiring a personal injury lawyer may not be needed; however, if you continue having trouble with the other driver’s insurance company you may want to schedule a free consultation with an attorney near you and see what they recommend. We wish you the best!
Jewel jencks says
I was in a car incident on December 12.i was approaching the red light in the left lane other cars was waiting at the light on my right hand side. A car came from my right hand side from a parking lot of a convenience store trying to make a left hand turn to go the opposite direction came into my lane and hit me from the passenger side.the police got my statement and verbally said she was at fault and was given a ticket for it. I filed both claims with both insurance companies. Her insurance call and wanted a recorded statement. I did. Now i realize i should have done so. Because doing the interview i could tell he was try to force words out of my mouth and when i say i didn’t see her at all until she hit me. And then he questioned if u said u didn’t see her how did u know where her she came from. I replied because that where here car came from. And also making simple mistakes like which bound where u coming from west or east bound say the wrong one, then he will. Correct me by saying u mean east bound stuff like that. So i the end of the recording statement he to me i need to talk to my people and do further investigation as to who is at fault. Like seriously and told me if i need my car fix quickly my insurance company should start fixing it until his investigation is complete. And didn’t tell me when his investigation well be complete. My common judgement is that they i trying to find ways of not taking faults or trying to get my car fix. I need advice on what to do next. Thinking of hiring a lawyer if possible
Lance Buchanan says
Thanks for sharing your story, Jewel. Unfortunately, insurance adjustors often try to trick people into saying something that gets the company out of having to pay, as you clearly experienced. While you won’t know the judgement of the insurance company until their investigation is complete, we certainly recommend consulting with an attorney in the meantime. Most lawyers offer a free first consultation, so there’s no cost to you other than your time. Plus, insurance companies are often much more likely to settle – and settle quickly – if/when they find out that an attorney is getting involved. We suggest looking for a well-rated car accident lawyer in your area. Feel free to use our free online directory to help you pick one out: https://www.enjuris.com/personal-injury-law-firms/. Good luck!
Jaime Olmeda says
Similar story. On 12/27/18 I’m at a light waiting for it to turn green in the LEFT only lane. When the light changed I proceeded to enter the intersection to make my left turn when all of a sudden a car quickly pulls up to my right side really close and side swiped my passenger side front bumper and part of the body above the front tire. He doesn’t even stop just kept going. I chase the guy and I caught him. Then I call the police and told him this guy hit/run me but I was able to catch him please send someone quick. Police arrived and take my statement and his. Jan 2, I go to pick up the report and it doesn’t say anything I mentioned to the police officer on it. No hit/run, side swiped, nothing. So I complained it’s wrong please re-do the report and put that he side swiped me and ran because the other driver is denying it to his insurance company. Officer said he can’t get him for hit/run because both of us were on scene when he arrived. But, then officer says to me that “he definitely saw my blue specs of paint on his car” (which immediately should have proven my story and the other driver should have been ticketed for leaving the scene of an accident). So I get the second report and this time it states that I was side swiped on it, but I’m a little worried because he didn’t put he left the scene. But I feel like that report should still prove he still hit me so i send the report to his insurance company to prove my claim. They call me a few hours later to tell me that the police report isn’t good and doesn’t say much and that there going to denying my claim. So what, now? Do I have to go to the police officer again and tell him I want to press charges against him and want a 3rd police report done correctly with driver side swiped and other driver left the scene?
Ian Pisarcik says
Jaime,
It sounds to me like you’re getting the run-around from the insurance company. If you’re vehicle was struck, it doesn’t matter whether the person who struck your car left the scene or not. If there are damages and you live in a fault-based state, then the person who struck your car is responsible for paying the damages. I would recommend contacting a personal injury attorney in your area and explaining your situation.
Betty F. says
I was in an accident recently where it was determined I was at fault. I can see that my insurance company paid the gentleman what is approximately the ACV of his vehicle and closed the claim a few days ago – so I’m assuming his vehicle was a total loss. Neither of us were injured and we both declined the ambulance.
Today his insurance company left me a message asking me to call them. Based on this article I don’t plan on speaking with them but was curious about why they might be calling at this point.
Lance Buchanan says
Thanks for sharing, Betty. You’re right to be wary about speaking to insurance companies. We recommend letting your insurer know that you are being contacting by the other driver’s insurance company, and also confirming that they’ve paid the claim. The other insurance company may just not yet be aware that the claim was paid, which is why they’re trying to contact you. You may also consider reaching out to an insurance dispute attorney if the matter escalates into a legal battle. For now though, it seems to us like you’ve fulfilled your legal obligations and shouldn’t have to worry.
Al says
I was recently involved in a minor accident yesterday where an older driver with a pick-up truck made a right turn (from the adjacent lane to my left) while I was waiting in the proper right turn lane to make the turn. The left mid-section of his truck clipped the front right-side bumper of my car. I believe the damage to my car will likely be around $500 (give or take), but that’s what my deductible is. So in all likelihood if I file a claim with my insurance company, I’ll just end up paying for the repairs out of my own pocket (because of the deductible in my policy). The at-fault driver is clearly him–the police deputy who showed up at the scene, even explained that much to him. So would it be better if I just contacted his insurance co. directly, show them the pics of the damages that I took, and hope for a fast and reasonable payout to cover for the damage to my front bumper? Or do I still go through my own insurance (even though they’ll likely stick me with the tab)?
Lance Buchanan says
Good question. Unfortunately, you’ll likely need to go through your own insurance company. Definitely don’t contact his insurance company directly, as they could try to get you to say something that allows them to deny the claim altogether.
Adam says
I was in an accident recently. Nobody was injured on my side, but my car was totaled. I had a green light and entered an intersection at 35 mph when a driver in the opposing lanes, who had a red arrow, got confused and made an illegal turn right in front of me. If I go thru my insurance there is a 1500 deductible (geico). Since the other driver is clearly at fault and there is a police report, should I file with his insurance to get the most money back? Are there any tips for getting the most for the car and not just kbb value? Should I threaten to contact an attorney if they are low-balling me?
Lance Buchanan says
Thanks for sharing, Adam. While we don’t have any advice on how to get the most for your car beyond the KBB value, we can say that talking with an attorney won’t hurt. Often, the first consultation is free, so there’s no cost to you — and it shows insurance companies that you mean business. Don’t try to contact the other person’s insurance company on your own because they may try to get you to say something they can use against you to deny the claim. Feel free to check out our list of attorneys if you need help finding one: https://www.enjuris.com/personal-injury-law-firms/
LeAnne says
My neighbor a couple houses down blacked out and took out both my vehicles and the neighbor between us fence. Totaled both my vehicles. I am without a ride and they are not even going to pay my vehicle off. As I still owe on one of my cars. I don’t know what to do. It looks like I am going to have to still make payments on a vehicle I can’t drive so my credit don’t go bad. Any suggestions on what to do?
Lance Buchanan says
Thanks for sharing, LeAnne. If your neighbor totaled your vehicles, their insurance should pay the full cost of the vehicles. Before you start making payments on a vehicle you can’t drive, we recommend speaking to a personal injury attorney to discuss additional legal options. They may be able to you seek further compensation from your neighbor via a lawsuit. Laws vary by state though, so be sure to find an attorney who specializes in car accident and insurance dispute law near you. Feel free to use our free online directory for a shortlist: https://www.enjuris.com/personal-injury-law-firms/
Brandy christenberry says
So I was in a wreck 11/16/2018 a girl ran through the stop sign and hit me I went to the hospital as far as the car being fixed the other persons insurance paid for that but I told my insurance I want them to handle my medical part cause I know the other persons insurance isn’t looking out for me but there clients here’s my question do my insurance is taking care of my medical so the other insurance company already admitted they were in the wrong but I o lot like dealing with my insurance company so once my insurance company takes care of the medical how does my insurance company get reimbursed does they other insurance company have to repay my insurance company for what they paid plus the other insurance company is only trying to over 1,000 dollars for the inconvenience but I stop dealing with there insurance and told mine to take over
Lance Buchanan says
Thanks for sharing, Brandy. While we can’t say for sure without knowing more details about your case, it sounds like your insurance company should pay for medical expenses and then the get reimbursed by the other driver’s insurance company. Although it sounds like you prefer to deal with your insurance company and that’s fine, do keep in mind that it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be looking after your best interests. The main goal of any insurance company is to make money, which sometimes means limiting payouts — even to their own policyholders. Be careful when dealing with any insurance company — not only the other driver’s insurer but your own as well. You can always talk to an insurance bad faith attorney if you feel like you aren’t being treated fairly. Good luck!
Leyon says
I was just waiting for a car parked in front of my car. A car cuts my lane and hits my front left panel, i have no time to reverse and horns when he turns right to my lane. The other party’s back right panel hits my car. His insurance company called me to claim. I gave statements and explain that the other party is at the fault. The insurance company ask me for a sketch and a clear statement of what happen. They emailed me the form and gave me no due dates. my car is not insured. May I know what to do next, sketch and gives direct statement on paper and send to them about what happen or ignore its form. Its been 2 weeks they have not called me for the form.
Ian Pisarcik says
Leyon,
I would consider meeting with an attorney in your area before providing the insurance company with any written statements or drawings. You can use this directory to locate an attorney in your area: https://www.enjuris.com/personal-injury-law-firms/. Most attorneys will provide an initial consultation free of charge.
Clarissa says
I was in a hit n run but got the person’s car plate number. turns out the person has the same insurance as me. I’m not able to use medical insurance to get medical help. the insurance company wants me to pay out of my pocket and then give them all receipts but I can’t afford plus don’t have a doctor to go to. What can I do? What are the procedures? There was no damage to my car because of older 1999 Buick I took the impact.
Ian Pisarcik says
Clarissa,
I’m sorry this happened to you. If you don’t have insurance that will cover your medical bills, you might be able to setup a payment plan with the hospital. I would recommend contacting the hospital about this option. In the meantime, I would recommend consulting with an attorney. An attorney can double check your insurance policies to see if there is available coverage (and can also talk to your insurance company). An attorney can also start a lawsuit to recover money that can then be used to pay off your medical debt.
Erika says
I was hit by a car as a pedestrian in the beginning of the month. I am luckily pretty okay. I’m just wondering what protocol is with getting Pain & Suffering from the drivers insurance company is. They’ve been trying to schedule to meet in person, but my family has said that sounds sketchy and to not meet in person. I don’t think there is enough damage to involve an attorney, but I also don’t want to make the wrong move and jeopardize what I can get. Is it normal to meet with the claims adjuster in person, or can all deals be done over the phone? Thanks!
Ian Pisarcik says
Erika,
It’s not uncommon for a claims adjuster to meet in person. One reason that a claims adjuster likes to meet in person is to get a feel for what kind of witness you would make should the case proceed to litigation. In other words, the claims adjuster wants to find out if you come across as likable, honest, and credible. The better you come across, the more incentive the insurer has to settle the case. Even though you don’t think there are enough damages to warrant an attorney, I would recommend taking the time to meet with an attorney for an initial consultation. Most attorneys will provide an initial consultation for free. You might be surprised to learn what sort of damages are available. In the meantime, take a look at our article about the various types of damages that might be available to you: https://www.enjuris.com/personal-injury-law/personal-injury-compensation.html
Tony b says
I was in the turning lane to take my son to school although I did get in there turning lane too early (the police reports stated that we were both trying to get in there turning lane too early but that she failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was inattentively driving) and my insurance said it was her fault but they have as of yet failed to respond to my insurance and if I want I can go through my insurance but I would like to have the deductible, if they fail to pay can I see her in small claims court if they refuse to pay or would I have to take it to a regular court for the entire amount ($5832) or can I just sue for the deductible only? Thanks kind regards Tony
Ian Pisarcik says
Tony,
You wouldn’t be able to sue for the full amount if your insurance pays you. Instead, the insurer would seek reimbursement. Usually, your insurance company would reimburse your deductible once they recover the full amount from the other party.
Pamela Maynor says
I was walking out of Walmart pushing my buggy. I saw a car coming from my left about 3 car lengths away not in the crosswalk but I was in the crosswalk. Before I knew it the car didn’t stop it struck my buggy and the impact threw me to the ground landing on my left hip which I kew was broken. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance. I had a Hip contusion and a strain knee. I was put on pain meds and a brace on my knee. This happened on a Saturday so I was laid up Saturday, Sunday and I missed work on Monday. This is Thursday and I still very sore in my left buttock. I have to sit on a soft cushion. My hospital and ambulance ride is around $2000. Do I need to wait to see what the insurance company will offer me? What should I ask for pain and suffering. Which I am still suffering.
Ian Pisarcik says
Pamela,
I’m sorry this happened to you. You don’t need to wait to find out what the insurer will offer you (this could take a long time). I would consider meeting with an attorney and explaining your situation. The attorney will be able to calculate your damages and make a settlement demand. In the meantime, be sure to keep all of your hospital records and consider keeping a journal to track your pain and suffering: https://www.enjuris.com/personal-injury-law/post-accident-pain-journal.html
Sarah Hannan says
How long does it typically take for the victims insurance to recoup their money from the at fault persons insurance company?
Ian Pisarcik says
Sarah,
It really depends on the case. It can be a couple of days or a couple of months. I would recommend contacting an attorney if you’re worried that your insurance company is doing something improper.
MRR says
I was involved in a collision where I t-boned a car that pulled in front of me from a stop sign. My dash cam showed the impact was a 40mph. My truck was totaled and I dealt only with my insurance on the property claim which is completely settled.
I went to the local ER after the accident as my chest was sore and bruised and my neck was painful and stiff. Fortunately my sternum was not broken. I sought treatment from a local Chiropractor for my neck pain and was released after 28 visits. My total medical bills are over $6K. These bills have been submitted to the other parties insurance but they are extremely slow in responding. I paid part of the bills as they were hounding me for payment.
So, how long does it usually take to finalize the injury portion of a claim once they have all the info? thank you advance.
Chris D says
I was in a car accident this past Tuesday, I was rear ended and 3 other cars where involved ” I did not hit any of them” after i tried to get a police report on Friday the officer said that the collision was deemed “Not Re portable”.
But all 4 cars where towed off the scene and the damages alone to my car where in excess of 4000 dollars.
I
Ian Pisarcik says
Chris,
Sometimes the police don’t file a formal report. It depends on the state and the situation. However, you might not want to take the officer’s word for it (they could be mistaken). You can file a public records request to obtain the police report. If there is no report, the public records department will be able to confirm.
Dorene says
My husband was rear ended while making a right hand turn by a college student that claimed he looked down for a second to look at his radio. He was going 40 in a 30 mph lane. My husband’s bumper was damaged, and the college student’s vehicle was not drivable, he had to call a tow truck. Someone called the police, they took a statement and said that the college student was at fault. My husband reported it to our insurance, and our insurance instructed my husband to contact the college students insurance himself. When my husband did so, the college student’s insurance said that they could not do anything until the student contacted them and gave them a statement as to what happened. My husband called our insurance back, and they told him they would not pursue the college students insurance but my husband could pay the $500 deductible to get his truck fixed and then they would try to collect from the college students insurance. If they were successful they would reimburse him the $500, otherwise the repairs would come out of our insurance. What’s the point in having a law requiring every driver to have insurance if they don’t have to report an accident to their insurance.
Ian Pisarcik says
Unfortunately, sometimes insurance companies have a difficult time getting in touch with their insureds. You might consider speaking to an attorney. Attorneys are often able to track down insureds or motivate the insurance company to do so. I certainly understand your frustration.
Cori Jackson says
I was a passenger in a car accident in December 2018. I was in the back seat. The top of the back seat came just below neck level and had no headrest.
We were stopped at a red light and we were hit from behind.
I instantly felt pain in my neck and shoulder.
We exchanged information with the other driver but because we were in high traffic area and surrounded by cars we didnt call the police.
The other drivers insurance company called and wanted to sign off on the accident but I told them about my pain in my neck and shoulder, down my arm.
I told him I had never been in a car accident and I didnt know what to do. I needed more time because I had been a fire victim in Paradise Ca camp fire November 8th 2018 and I was confused and Had PTSD and I was in a state of shock from losing everything And my whole town and then the nightmarish events of driving through black smoke and fire trying to get out of town. So he said he would call back in a week.
I avoided his calls for at least a month. Because my neck and shoulder pain kept getting worse. The next time he called i told him I was still in pain. So he offered $300 in payment. Again I told him I needed more time.
When he finally got ahold of me weeks later I told him I was still in pain and I didn’t know what to do and I was still really confused. He offered me $500 and would pay out up to another $500 if I sent in receipts from Dr visits and he said thats all they will do.
I felt very pressured when he asked if I was ok with that. I told him i really didn’t know what to do but fine. So he recorded me saying ok. He sent me a $500 check and 2 papers to sign.
Then friends were saying not cash the check or sign those papers. Even my Dr and Chiropractor.
So He has me recorded saying yes to the amount. I am still hurting. Even more than before. Dr said its not broken but could be torn.
Anyway, is there anything I can do even though he has me recorded?
Ian Pisarcik says
Cori,
The fact that he has you recorded is probably not a problem for you. It will be more problematic if you have signed the release papers. So, if you have not signed the papers yet, do not sign them and contact an attorney to discuss your options.
Jules says
My car was parked and crashed into by someone driving reckless I was not aware in the car I filled the claim thru the at fault driver insurance company the adjuster totaled out my car but stated I have to wait to be compensated for my loss what does that mean for me to get a lawyer even though I wasn’t in the car but have the police report
Ian Pisarcik says
Jules,
Sorry you have to wait to be compensated. It often takes an insurance company a while to process a check. If you think the insurance company is ignoring you, consider reaching out to an attorney. Sometimes all it takes is a strongly worded letter.
Toma says
Hello , my son backed his jeep into a parked car when leaving our driveway. No one was in the jeep as they were in my house for a birthday party. So no injuries and the offroad number on the jeep only has scratches. The friends vehicle front drivers quarter panel is damaged and the tire is bent in . We called the insurance company the next day and reported the accident my son gave his full coverage insurance info to his insurer and in 2 weeks still nothing has been done. My friends are mad of ooarse as they need their inoperable vehicle back on the road. But it’s like pulling teeth to get the insurance company to even answer the phone. What do we do ?
Ian Pisarcik says
Toma,
Unfortunately, insurance companies are busy and 2 weeks isn’t an unusual amount of time to wait. Has the other driver contacted their insurance company? The insurance company might provide a rental car while the issue is being sorted out.
CZ says
I was In a 3 car fender bender the other day. I was Completely stopped at a red light in stand still traffic. The car behind me was also completely stopped. All of a sudden, a car hit the car behind me which sent the car behind me into my car. There was very little damage to my car, almost none at all besides a little scratch. I wasnt Going to report it because my car was almost unscathed. Her insurance (AAA) just called for a statement. Would i be Considered a witness or are they going after me even though i had No fault and wasn’t even going to report her hitting me? She doesn’t have my insurance info- just my phone number and photo of my license.
Ian Pisarcik says
CZ,
I strongly suspect the insurance company is contacting you because you’re a potential witness. The first step in a case like this would be for the insurance company (or the attorney for any party suing) to contact all the parties involved. The insurance company is likely going to want to know (1) what you saw, (2) whether the at-fault party said anything to you, and (3) whether any parties appeared injured.
D. J. says
I was in an auto accident, and my claim was denied many times. I was told they couldn’t find valid coverage for the incident. But found out it was untrue, based on false representations. I’m suing the defendant, I have an attorney who is handling my case. I was basically lied to over and over, from the other companies insurance adjuster. What can I do about this, can I sue the defendants insurance company? I would like to know about good faith, bad faith laws. Can I sue. the other insurance company, for false representations? Please let me know. Thank you.
Ian Pisarcik says
D.J.,
Take a look at our article on bad faith insurance lawsuits. Additionally, I would recommend speaking to your attorney about this issue.
Greg says
my car was unattended parked at a store’s parking lot. A lady was backing with her car and hit my car. I just received the police report which states that the lady admitted to backing and hitting my car by accident. I reported this to my car insurance but they said that I should reach out to the lady’s insurance if I don’t want my premiums to go up. What should I tell them to make sure this goes smoothly and I get the money to repair my car ASAP?
Ian Pisarcik says
Greg,
I would have a copy of the police report and a copy of the repair estimates ready when you contact the insurance company. Offer to email/fax both of them over. It sounds like liability isn’t an issue. So long as the insurer doesn’t find the repair estimate too high (they may want to do their own), things should go pretty quickly.
louise underwood says
someone reversed into my car and caused lots of damage, her insurance company wants to deal with it and put the car right , should i still let my insurance company deal with it
Ian Pisarcik says
Louise,
It’s really up to you. You can either accept the insurance check from her insurance company, or you can ask your insurance company to give you a check for the damages (your insurance company would then seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance company). If the at-fault party’s insurance company is cooperating, I would let them handle it. If, however, they are being unresponsive, you’ll want to involve your insurance company.
TT says
I was in an accident where I was at fault but now the other party is falsifying the claim. I was riding a mini dirt bike on the street and hit a parked car. I hit the front fender well and there was apparent transfer paint. The car is 12 years old and the body was in poor condition, dents and scratches all over. After looking at the car with the owner, we discussed the fender well with blue transfer paint. I then pointed out another scratch and he told me that was already previously there. However, because I was riding a dirt bike, my car insurance does not cover the damage. I told the guy I would be happy to pay for the damage but when he went to the auto body shop he is now claiming the left door, bumper, and fender. When I asked for him to get a quote just for the area I damaged now he is saying that I hit all parts. His insurance is moving onward and he is paying his deductible. His insurance never contacted me for my statement… how is he allowed to claim all of this work to his car now when I didn’t damage what he is claiming?
Ian Pisarcik says
Good morning,
Generally, when an insurance claim is made, the insurer will investigate the incident (i.e., contact you) before paying the claim. However, when the claim is minor, the insurer may decide to simply pay the claim without an investigation. Nevertheless, the owner of the car can’t require you to pay for damage that you didn’t cause. One option would be to simply pay for the actual damage that you caused, and let the owner of the car file a lawsuit if he believes you owe him additional damages. Regardless, I don’t know the specifics of your situation and therefore would recommend talking to an attorney in your area.
BM says
I was involved in a minor incident in the parking lot at work. The other driver was going the wrong way down a one way and I backed into her. There is no police report because she said they would not come to an accident on private property. (I have never been involved in an accident so I wasn’t sure what to do.) She filed a claim with her insurance and the adjuster says I’m 80% liable. She’s only 20% liable for going the wrong way! I don’t feel like I need to pay for anything and no damage was done to my car so I have not contacted my insurance company. What do I need to do now?
Ian Pisarcik says
Brittney,
I would recommend reaching out to your insurance company. Presumably, you have liability insurance which will be used to pay her damages (after you pay the deductible). I would also recommend explaining to your insurance company that the other party was driving the wrong way. Your insurance company can then contact the other driver’s insurance company and argue that she was more than 20% liable. In short, your insurance company can work to reduce the damage claim.
Janette says
Hi , my car was totaled and it wasn’t my fault . The other persons insurance is paying for the remainder of the financed loan but now i am left with no car will my insurance help with that ? since i had full coverage and they are not actually paying for any of the damages ? they say i cant keep my car since the other persons insurance is paying for it ?
Ian Pisarcik says
Janette,
Your insurer might pay for a rental car while you are without a car. Similarly, you may be able to get the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay for a rental vehicle. I would recommend contacting your insurance company and inquiring.
JaZmine says
I was in a bad accident. To make it brief… A van was trying to make a yellow light ( which turned red) . I was approaching a green light crossing at an intersection (25-30 mph ) as I was driving down a 4 way street. He missed the yellow light , which turned red and hit me on the drivers side. Now his statement is saying I ran the red light when my light was green. What should I do ?
Ian Pisarcik says
JaZmine,
Explain the situation to your insurance company. Additionally, reach out to a personal injury attorney in your area. Most attorneys will provide a free initial consultation. The attorney can help determine next steps, which may include pulling the security footage from the intersection.
Tyler says
Hello,
I was in an accident on the highway and was rear ended, they say it was my fault but I believe it was their fault. It was my friends car and their insurance is taking care of things but then I was contacted by the other persons insurance and spoke to someone briefly and recounted my side, which they said doesn’t match what they believe the police report describes. This was not a recorded conversation but they know want me to do one, which I am not going to, but can they use the information I already gave them against me of it wasn’t recorded?
Ian Pisarcik says
Tyler,
The insurance company can use your statements for certain purposes. However, because the information is hearsay, the use is somewhat limited.
Colins Wyatt says
I was involved in an accident last month, precisely 2 weeks ago. it was a 4-way STOP sign and this lady didn’t see me. She ran straight into me and t-boned my car. The police came and got our information but didn’t hand the lady any ticket, even though it was clear she didn’t stop at her sign. The police report has her ticked as the “susp at fault” but after contacting her insurance company, they replied some days ago saying they have concluded their investigation and found conflicting information from both drivers – and since there are no witnesses – they have concluded that they can not disburse anything to me! Also, they added that the lady said we go 50-50 (she repairs her car while I repair mine) knowing well that the damage to her car was next to nothing.
What do I do next?
Ian Pisarcik says
Colins,
It’s not uncommon for an insurance company to offer a low settlement due to the lack of clear liability (witnesses, video footage, etc.). The police report certainly helps your case, but it’s not conclusive (i.e., the court and the insurance company don’t have to agree with the police officer). With all that being said, it sounds like all the evidence that does exist supports your side of the story. With that in mind, you should strongly consider reaching out to an attorney to help you negotiate a better settlement with the insurance company. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation. If you don’t want to involve an attorney (though I recommend it), you can negotiate with the insurance company yourself. Bottom line, you don’t HAVE to accept the insurance company’s offer (or lack thereof).
Walter says
Minor mva i was stopped for vehicle in front of me turning and was hit by a car doing 25pmh. Wife,daughter and i all go flung forward and was taking to hospital by ambulance for back and neck pains and chest pains for me and i was hooked up to EKG and because i have a abdominal aneurysm and back problems 2 cat scans was done do to the endpack to make sure my aneurysm was not leaking and fractured any of my back and neck. The at faults insurance company says they don’t see paying this claim because of it being a minor mva and not much damage to car these test should not have been done and my er bills are to much $20,000. So i just get a letter saying they are investigating and want us all to do a recorded statement and to sign papers for 3 years back on us all for releasing medical information. We had all singed these papers already so do not know why they want me to sing again. Can not find a lawyer to take our case because they all say there is no on going injury’s. They did pay to fix my car that was $900 and for a rental car for 2 days.Sp what do i do now and if i don’t have a attorney should i refuse being recorded are do i have to do the recording and i live in Calif and my health insurance payed my bills at their discounted price but i have to reimburse them. Does the insurance company have to compassionate me the total amount of the bills or only what my health insurance paid.
Melissa Gold says
Hello, Walter. I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. Without knowing exactly what you signed and what the insurance company is looking for you to sign right now, the best suggestion we can provide is for you to find a personal injury attorney. You mentioned that you’re having a hard time finding a lawyer who can take your case. The Enjuris Personal Injury Law Firm Directory (https://www.enjuris.com/personal-injury-law-firms/) is a good tool for finding an attorney in California near you who specializes in the type of legal matter you’re looking to pursue. Many personal injury lawyers offer a no-cost initial consultation.
Here are some tips for how to prepare for a first meeting with a lawyer: https://www.enjuris.com/personal-injury-law/preparing-first-meeting.html.
We hope you and your family are feeling better!
Venus says
Property damage claim and I surance wants to settle with me for the estimate given at my auto repair shop. I am u happy with thr auto shop I picked can the insurance write me a check and I go into research and find a better more professional shop?
Melissa Gold says
That’s a good question! In many situations, an insurance company will require to you obtain a quote from one of its designated repair service providers. Once their service provider provides that estimate for repairs and it settles your claim, it should issue you a check for the agreed-upon amount. You can take your car to any repair shop you choose. However, be aware that if your shop charges more than the originally approved estimate, the insurance isn’t going to compensate you for the additional amount. I hope the repair is quick and your claim is resolved to your satisfaction.
Thomas floyd says
My wife was in a small fender bender and the police officer showed up at the scene and came to her and said it was her fault in a very rud tone. he didnt ask if she was ok and walked away to the other vehicle when my wife asked if she could please have the ladies insurance information he told her no. Aparently the office is related/good friends with the lady. The accident was not my wifes fault. The lady was speeding and on her phone when she hit her and my wife was parked but it is nowhere on the police report. The lady faked an injury so she got a ride in the ambulance and here we are a year later and thier insurance wants 14 thousand dollars for a bent bumper on a 1500 blue book car that the lady didnt even own. It belonged to somone else. So my question is what do you think about this situation and was any of that legal? The driver of the other car was african american and so was the officer and i am caucasion. The officer never came back to talk to my wife after he said it was her fault and stayed with the other driver. It reallly seemed to me like the officer was racist.
Melissa Gold says
Hi, Thomas. Thank you for reaching out. I’m sorry to hear that you and your wife are in this situation. Without knowing the specific circumstances, I can’t offer suggestions with respect to what was or wasn’t legal. However, although a police report is an important part of the record for any accident, the insurance company should also conduct an investigation and establish liability based on any available evidence. Your insurance company has a responsibility to investigate and defend your wife against the claim if your wife wasn’t at fault.
If you feel that your insurance company isn’t doing what it should by defending the claim, you can enlist the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. I’d invite you to use the Enjuris Personal Injury Law Firm Directory to find an attorney near where you live who can help you to resolve any legal or insurance issues related to your wife’s accident. Best of luck.
Thomas floyd says
The police report shows my vehicle turning into the street which is false since my wife had not cranked her vehilce up to move. When she tries to have the report changed they wouldnt do it. They also wouldnt accept my own report of the accident or even ise my report as a supplment to thiers. Do i have any legal standing here?
Melissa Gold says
Hello, again, Thomas. Following up on your previous question, you should be able to provide your account of what happened to your insurance company to help it defend your wife against the other driver’s claim. If you have evidence or a statement to supplement your version of what happened, that’s also an important piece of information to offer your personal injury lawyer when you explain the situation.
If it would help, Enjuris has a checklist of items to bring so that you’re prepared with what your lawyer will need at your first meeting.
Betty B says
Recently my husband was involved in an MVA, that the police officer claims it was our fault for lack of “due care” He was crossing 3 lanes making a left turn into a shopping center. 2 of the lanes stopped(since they had a red light.. They made enough room he could squeeze across however the 3rd lane was the driver that plowed into my husbands rear passenger door..spinning him 360 degrees!! There was a witness that stopped to speak with my husband and claimed the other guy was going awfully fast. However my husband never got the witnesses name!!The driver obtained an attorney.( claiming the driver and his passenger have back problems and are seeking chiropractic services.. my insurance already paid out money for there car damages.. unfortunately, our car was deemed totaled… And now there insurance company is trying to call us and have sent us many letters. My question is do we have an obligation to speak with them?
Melissa Gold says
Hello, Betty. First, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s accident. I’m glad that it sounds like he’s unhurt. You said that your insurance already paid the claim for damage to the other driver’s car, but now his insurance is coming back with another claim for medical services.
You are not obligated to talk with the other driver’s insurance company. You have two options: One is to contact your own insurance company to see if it’s handling the claim. The insurers might already be working together. It’s possible that your insurance company has declined to pay for the medical treatment, and that’s why the other driver’s insurance is contacting you directly. That brings us to the second option, which is for you to hire your own personal injury lawyer.
Especially since the other driver has a lawyer, it seems like he might be planning to pursue more damages than the insurance company is willing to pay. Your lawyer can help in several ways. Depending on what state you live in, it could be possible that liability is split between your husband and the other driver. Your lawyer will know the laws of your state and how to handle assigning liability. Second, your lawyer can act as your negotiator if the insurance company is trying to claim additional damages. Third, if the other driver does file a lawsuit against your husband, your lawyer will represent your husband’s interests.
Please feel free to use the Enjuris Personal Injury Law Firm Directory to find an attorney near where you live who can help. My best wishes to you and your husband — I hope it all works out!