If you’re involved in a car accident, you’ll likely find yourself filing an insurance report for your property damage and potential injuries. After filing this accident report, an insurer will contact you, requesting more details about the accident. While this may seem like a basic, routine call, it can greatly affect the outcome of your claim, the liability determination, and your final settlement.
Insurers sometimes ask confusing or misleading questions in an attempt to minimize their financial liability. They may scrutinize how your answers line up against the information you provided in the police report to attempt to find holes in your story. Knowing the common questions an insurance adjuster may ask after an accident and the proper way to respond helps you protect your rights during any statement recording.
Below, our team from Stewart & Stewart Attorneys covers some of the common question categories you can expect.
Which Vehicles Were Involved?
The conversation typically begins by asking very basic details about the vehicles and parties involved in the wreck. They’ll ask for your vehicle’s:
- Make
- Model
- Registration number
- VIN
- License plate
They may also request the license plate and make and model of the other vehicle, which you can find on your copy of the police report. They’ll request your contact information, though you can provide them with your attorney’s phone number if you prefer.
Complying with all of these questions will help the claims process progress.
How Did the Accident Happen?
After providing the basic details from above, the rest of the common questions an insurance adjuster may ask after an accident become more convoluted. They will likely ask you how the accident happened, requesting details about who was driving, the time of day, the weather, the speed you were driving, and much more.
All of your answers to these questions may be used against you. Because of this, it’s often helpful to minimize the details you provide. You can direct their questions to your attorney, who will be well equipped to answer them properly.
Who Caused the Accident?
The insurance company may ask you questions that are aimed at reducing its liability. Even if they know that their client caused the accident, they may attempt to make you assume partial fault. For example, they may ask what speed you were driving, and if you don’t know the exact answer, this could be used against you once the black box data is revealed.
Your attorney can explain to the insurer how the accident occurred on your behalf.
What Kind of Damage Does Your Car Have?
Many of the common questions an insurance adjuster may ask after an accident revolve around damages. They’ll want to know about the extent of the damage to your vehicle, any previous damage on your car, where the dents are located, and more. Even this seemingly innocent information can affect the liability determination and your available settlement, so it’s important to consult your attorney before providing specific details.
Did You Suffer Injuries?
If you suffered injuries from the accident, the insurer will likely question you about the extent of your condition, your medical costs, your prognosis, and more. They often ask whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, and if you haven’t, they may delay the process. An attorney knows how to describe the full extent of your injuries through proper medical documentation.
Reach Out for Help Navigating the Claims Process
Now that you know the common questions an insurance adjuster may ask after an accident, you’re better prepared to enter the conversation with confidence. If you need an attorney to represent your rights, call Stewart & Stewart Attorneys at (317) 597-4721 to schedule a consultation.