When should I communicate with the other driver’s insurance company?

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As a general rule, you want to communicate as little as possible with the other driver’s insurance company.  You want to let the other driver’s insurance company know about the accident, and you may need to speak with the other driver's insurance company representative or adjuster to settle your property damage issues, but keep these discussions on that topic only. 

If you are trying to settle your personal injury claims on your own because you believe your claim does not need a lawyer, follow these guidelines.

  • Do not give a recorded statement to the other insurance company.  You are not required to do so, and nothing good can come from it.
  • Do not let the adjuster put words in your mouth regarding your injuries, your treatment, your medical bills . . . anything.  Insurance adjusters may (not always) try to get you to believe your injuries, treatment, bills, etc., are not as bad as they truly are.
  • Do not give a full medical records release allowing the insurance company to get your medical records directly from your medical providers.  This is not required; get your records yourself and provide them to the insurance company.
  • Do not accept any money or sign a release unless you understand you are settling all of your claims against the other driver and the insurance company.  Generally, an insurance company for the at-fault driver will not pay any amount of money unless the entire case is being settled.