Should I Talk to the Other Insurer After a Motorcycle Crash?

After a motorcycle accident, you may need to speak to many people: first responders, police officers, medical professionals, your insurance company, and a Douglasville, GA, motorcycle accident attorney. However, you should avoid talking to the other side’s insurance company if you can. 

Why? Anything you say to insurance adjusters could harm your claim. If you still must speak to the at-fault side’s insurance company, use the tips below to protect your rights. 

Why Is the Other Party’s Insurance Company Calling You?

Georgia is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, meaning you’ll claim compensation from the other driver’s insurance company if their negligence caused your injury. The liable insurer will usually look out for their interests by trying to pay you as little as possible.

The insurance adjuster will typically tell you they’re only calling to verify a few details as a standard part of the claims process. In reality, they may:

• Try to trick you into saying something that undermines your claim
• Rush you into accepting a lowball settlement offer

Do You Have to Speak With the Other Side’s Insurance Company?

Typically you are not obligated to answer calls or messages from the at-fault side’s insurance company. You can screen calls from unknown numbers or redirect any communication from the liable insurer to your Douglasville, GA, motorcycle accident attorney. If the insurance company keeps bothering you, your lawyer can ask them to stop. 

Your own insurance provider is another matter. To keep your coverage, you need to report your accident to your insurer within the timeframe your policy specifies (usually 24 to 72 hours). 

What to Say (and Avoid Saying) to Insurance Adjusters

What if you take a call from the at-fault party’s insurance company before you’ve secured legal representation? The following strategies will protect you from insurance companies’ bad-faith tactics.

Be Polite and Concise

Confirm your identity and the basic facts about the accident, such as its time, date, and location. Remember to write down the insurance adjuster’s name and number. 

However, avoid giving too many details. Don’t discuss the circumstances of the accident or say anything the adjuster could interpret as admitting fault. If the adjuster keeps asking questions about the collision, say you can’t confirm anything else right now.

Avoid Talking About Your Injuries

The insurance company representative may sound friendly and sympathetic when discussing your injuries, but as any Douglasville, GA, motorcycle accident attorney will tell you, they’re not on your side. Avoid disclosing any medical information or talking about how you feel. Even a seemingly benign statement like “I’m not in a lot of pain right now” could work against you.

Steer Clear of Quick Settlements

Settlements take a while to calculate, especially after serious accidents. If the adjuster offers you compensation right off the bat, this amount is probably far lower than your case is worth. 

We understand the temptation of resolving your claim quickly, but you should consult a motorcycle accident lawyer before accepting any settlement. An experienced attorney can usually help you reach a better offer.

Call The Foster Firm If You Suffered a Motorcycle Injury in Georgia

When suffering serious injuries in a motorbike crash, you need a hardworking lawyer to protect your rights. At The Foster Firm, we provide reliable legal advice and assertive representation to motorcycle injury victims. With over 25 years of practicing personal injury law, we know how to handle claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and use efficient strategies to maximize your settlement.Call 866-377-2735 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Douglasville, GA, motorcycle accident attorney.