Vehicular accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. In most car accidents, there are four primary parties involved: you, your insurance company, the other driver, and their insurance company. After an accident, discussing the incident with the insurance companies may seem like an immediate next step, but doing so without legal guidance could lead to costly mistakes.
An experienced personal injury attorney can examine the facts of the case and guide you to the best possible outcome. Reliable personal injury attorneys in Washington can alert you to potential red flags that could lower your payout or increase your liability.
At Gilbert Law Firm, we understand the challenges you face after an accident, and we are here to offer you guidance and support. Before you speak to any insurance company, it’s crucial to talk to a trustworthy personal injury lawyer.
Here’s our team at Gilbert Law Firm’s take on talking to insurance companies after an accident.
Why Should You Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer First?
It’s easy to assume that you’re just providing the facts of the case when speaking with an insurance company. However, even the smallest comment can be twisted or misinterpreted, potentially opening you up to liability or reducing the compensation you deserve.
Here are some key reasons why consulting with a lawyer before talking to any insurance company is essential:
- Insurance Companies Are Not Always on Your Side: Your insurer may not be as supportive as you think, especially when large sums of money are involved.
- Potential for Increased Liability: Anything you say can be used to lower your payout or increase your responsibility for the accident.
- Lack of Confidentiality: Conversations with your insurance company are not confidential. They can share what you say with the other driver’s insurer, making it more difficult to support your claim.
A lawyer from Gilbert Law Firm can examine the facts of your case, alert you to potential red flags, and guide you toward the best possible outcome.
Why You Shouldn’t Blindly Trust Your Insurance Company in Washington
Many people assume their insurance company is always on their side simply because they pay premiums regularly. While that may be true in many circumstances, it may not be true following a vehicle accident. Insurance companies also operate as businesses focused on minimizing payouts whenever possible. This can become particularly problematic following a vehicle accident.
Washington state follows the comparative negligence doctrine under RCW 4.22.005, which means that fault is shared between the involved parties based on their contribution to the accident. Each party is assigned a percentage of fault, which directly impacts the amount of compensation they can recover.
For instance:
- If the other driver is 100% at fault and you’re awarded $100,000, you will receive the full amount.
- If it’s determined that the other driver is only 60% at fault and you are 40% at fault, you would only receive 60% of the $100,000, or $60,000.
What you say to your insurance company may influence their decision on your share of the fault, which could result in higher premiums or even policy termination. Additionally, your insurance company might be less motivated to pursue a fair settlement if they view you as partially or fully responsible for the accident.
Most importantly, anything you say to your insurance company could be shared with the other party’s insurer or attorneys, making it more difficult to support your position in the case. This is why you should always seek legal advice prior to talking to your insurer and before starting the process of recovering damages from the accident.
Be Cautious When Speaking with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
While you should be careful when talking to your own insurance company, even more caution is required when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. In fact, it’s often best not to talk to the other driver’s insurance company at all. You are under no obligation to speak with the other party’s insurer, and doing so could harm your case.
If the other driver’s insurance company tries to contact you, it’s best to refer them to your own insurance provider or your attorney. Here’s why:
- Twisting Your Statements: The other driver’s insurance company may try to manipulate your words to make you appear more at fault than you actually are.
- Pressure Tactics: They may pressure you into making statements without your attorney present or even attempt to record your conversation. If this happens, you may politely decline.
Even if the other driver has already admitted fault, it’s still wise to let your attorney handle the communication with their insurer. An attorney will ensure that any settlement or communication aligns with your best interests.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney in Washington Help After an Accident?
Navigating the complexities of a car accident claim is difficult enough without the added pressure of dealing with insurance companies. At Gilbert Law Firm, we are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve and are not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Here’s how we can help:
- Protecting Your Interests: We communicate directly with the insurance companies on your behalf, preventing them from twisting your words or using tactics to reduce your payout.
- Maximizing Compensation: Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries (whether minor or severe), medical bills, and other damages.
- Handling All Negotiations: Whether it’s dealing with your insurance company or the other party’s insurer, we manage all communications and negotiations to take the burden off you.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at the Gilbert Law Firm Today!
With hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for their car accident clients, the Gilbert Law Firm has been a leader in the Washington legal community for decades. Our seasoned personal injury advocates understand the impact a car accident can have on your life, and we are here to provide the legal support you need.
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t risk jeopardizing your claim by talking to the insurance companies without representation.
To learn how the Gilbert Law Firm can help you, contact us at (509) 321-0750.
