One of the worst things that can happen in life is being involved in a car accident. Even a minor fender brings stress. After the collision occurs, you have to ask yourself, is anyone injured? Are you injured? Can everyone get out of the vehicle safely? Has 911 been called? First responders begin arriving. The physical well-being of all participants is assessed. Statements are taken. Reports are written. Now what?

Be Careful With Your Words

Amid the extreme chaos that can ensue in the aftermath of an accident, it is very difficult to temper your emotions and tame your tongue. But just as hard as it can be to do so, it’s all the more important to do it.  Do not speak to witnesses. Don’t speak in a manner that enables anyone on the scene to hear what you are saying. Something as simple as an emotional “I didn’t even see you” blurted out minutes after the collision can be used to constitute guilt. According to EverQuote, you need to be careful what you say to any insurance agents you may speak with.

When the phone call begins with an insurance agent, which could be as early as an hour after the accident, be calm and respectful. Don’t displace your anger and frustration. No matter who you are dealing with, realize you are in control of the conversation. You can set boundaries while being polite in the process. At the beginning of every conversation, make sure you get the name of the person you’re speaking to. If he or she has an agent ID number, get that as well. Find out what office he or she works in. Take notes on everything as you talk.

Do not allow anyone to overtalk you or rush the conversation. This is a tactic of manipulation. Make it clear that you will take the time to do calculations and consult with others before agreeing to any offers that are made. Beware, especially, if you are told that an offer is only good for a certain length of time. That is a dishonest manipulation tactic.

Do the Math on Your End Too

The insurance agents will most assuredly come with a lowball offer. They are known to even show up at the hospital. How can they know about your medical expenses when you haven’t even left the hospital yet? According to Bohn & Fletcher, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and transportation expenses make up a portion of the measurable financial damages that can be calculated as part of a compensation claim.

If you want to get what you deserve from the settlement, it is of utmost important to take the time to calculate everything you deem to be the liability of the other driver’s insurance company.

The Five W’s

After the trauma of losing your vehicle and maybe your health, you will find it hard to talk to the insurance companies. You are in the realm of your rights to request that you be given time. Do not answer any uncomfortable or shady questions. Make an appointment to talk, giving yourself time to prepare. They are going to want to know the five W’s at the very least, which are where, why, what, when and who. Decide before talking to them what your answers will be and how you will say it.

Above all else, constantly remember that you are in control. You have rights along with your responsibilities. You are within your rights to expect that the insurance company acts responsibly while handling your case.

 

Here’s another article we think you’ll like: 5 Ways to Minimize the Financial Impact of an Accident