Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
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Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
No — you are not required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company without an attorney. In many cases, doing so can hurt your claim.
After a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurer may contact you quickly and ask for a statement. While they may sound helpful, insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line — not your interests.
Before answering questions or agreeing to a recorded statement, it’s important to understand your rights and how your words can be used against you.
If you were injured in a crash, speaking with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can help protect your claim from the start.
Why Is the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Calling Me?
The other driver’s insurance company typically calls to:
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Gather information about the accident
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Look for statements that suggest you were at fault
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Minimize the severity of your injuries
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Limit how much compensation they must pay
Insurance companies often contact accident victims before they have spoken to an attorney. Early statements can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Do I Have to Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
No. You are not legally obligated to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster.
You have the right to:
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Decline the call
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Request that communication go through your attorney
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Reschedule until legal counsel is present
Bottom line: If you have hired an attorney, the insurance company should communicate directly with them — not you.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement After a Car Accident?
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Providing a recorded statement can be risky because:
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Adjusters may ask leading or misleading questions
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Minor inconsistencies can be used to challenge credibility
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Casual comments like “I’m okay” may be used to minimize injuries
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Statements may later be used to shift partial blame onto you
Before agreeing to any recorded interview, consult with a lawyer.
What Questions Will the Insurance Adjuster Ask?
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask detailed questions about the crash and your injuries. Common questions include:
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When and where did the accident occur?
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What damage did your vehicle sustain?
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What injuries did you suffer?
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Are you receiving medical treatment?
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Were you wearing a seatbelt?
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Were you using your cellphone?
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Were you under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
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Did you file a police report?
They may also ask about:
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Your prior medical history
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Previous injuries
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The physical demands of your job
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Sports or physical activities
These questions are often designed to argue that your injuries were pre-existing or not caused by the crash.
Can the Insurance Company Use My Words Against Me?
Yes.
Insurance companies frequently use recorded statements and casual comments to:
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Argue that you were partially at fault
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Claim your injuries are minor
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Suggest your injuries existed before the crash
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Justify a low settlement offer
Even honest, innocent answers can be taken out of context.
This is especially common in rear-end accident cases, where insurers may try to argue sudden stops or shared fault despite clear liability.
What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Calls?
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you:
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Remain polite but cautious.
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Do not speculate about fault.
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Do not minimize your injuries.
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Do not agree to a recorded statement.
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Tell them your attorney will follow up.
If you do not yet have legal representation, consider speaking with a lawyer before returning the call.
How a Car Accident Attorney Protects Your Claim
An experienced attorney can:
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Handle all communications with insurance companies
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Prevent damaging recorded statements
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Collect medical evidence
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Prove liability
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Calculate the full value of your damages
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Negotiate aggressively for fair compensation
Insurance companies are far less likely to use pressure tactics when you have legal representation.
If you were injured in a crash, learn more about your rights by visiting our Car Accidents page.
Contact McHargue & Jones, LLC After a Car Accident
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident can be stressful and confusing. You do not have to handle it alone.
The attorneys at McHargue & Jones, LLC help injured victims protect their rights and pursue full compensation.
Complete our online contact form or call (312) 739-0000 to schedule your free consultation today.