How to Deal with the Other Guy’s Insurance Company, Part I

If you’ve recently been injured in an Erie car accident, you’ll have questions. One of them may be, “How do I deal with the other guy’s insurance company?” There’s only one good reason for talking to the other guy’s insurance company and there are several rules to follow if you choose to talk to them.

If you’ve been injured in an Erie car accident, then the other guy’s insurance company is going to call. They’ll want to talk to you. They’ll want to talk about the accident. They’ll want to talk about your injuries. They’ll express concern for you and a desire to help. Well, I don’t recommend that you talk to them. Really. The process of dealing with insurance companies is an adversarial one and most people need experienced Erie car crash lawyers to help them through it. But if you absolutely insist on talking to the other guy’s insurance company, consider these tips and insights.

1. There’s Only One Reason to Deal with the Other Guy’s Car Insurance Company

If you don’t have a claim that you want the other driver’s insurance company to pay, there is absolutely no reason ever for you to speak with that company. If you’re not trying to get that insurance company to pay you, you should limit your communications about the accident to your own car insurance company.

2. Even When You’ve Got a Reason, I Still Advise Against Dealing with the Other Guy’s Insurance Company

If you’ve got a personal injury claim to present, we want to be sure our message comes through loud and clear. We strongly advise you again to get an Erie car accident lawyer. There’s an old saying about an Erie injury lawyer who represents himself having a fool for a client. Well, that applies to non-lawyers who try to represent themselves, too. The only time it may make sense to deal directly with the other insurance company is when you have a very small claim or your claim is strictly one for property damage.

3. Tell the Truth

Always, always, always tell the truth. Even when it is embarrassing to you (especially when it’s embarrassing), even when you think that it will hurt your case, even when you worry that it might hurt someone else, the truth is the best and only thing you should ever tell an insurance company in connection with a claim.

4. Know the Score

Remember that the other guy’s insurance company and its employees are not on your side (no matter what their advertising might say). No matter what they say, they are not trying to help you. They are not going to give you the benefit of the doubt. They aren’t supposed to lie to you, but they have no obligation to be fair to you. So, what are they going to do? They are going to do everything in their power to blame you for the accident and minimize the value of your claim. That’s their job and they are very skilled at it.

For more tips and rules on dealing with the other guy’s insurance company, see Part II of this article HERE.

Bottom Line: Call an Erie County, PA Car Accident Lawyer Before Speaking to the Insurance Company

If you were recently hurt in an Erie car accident, you almost certainly have many questions. For example, you may be wondering how your medical bills will be paid, whether you need an Erie accident lawyer for your case, or where you can find tips for handling your own injury case. You can find answers to many of these questions on this website, or you can order a free comprehensive book that we’ve written: “The Ultimate Guide to Car Accident Cases in Pennsylvania: A Roadmap to Justice.” Of course, you can also call today to talk for free with one of our Erie car crash lawyers at 814-273-2010.