Talking to Insurance Companies After a Bicycle Accident in San Antonio
If you or your loved one were hurt in a bicycle collision because someone else acted negligently, you have the right to demand compensation. One of the main steps in damage recovery is negotiating with insurance adjusters.
Talking to insurance companies after a bicycle accident in San Antonio can damage your case. Doing this without a bike crash attorney could result in an unfair payout. All such negotiations require professional legal assistance.
What to Say to the Insurance Company
As soon as the bicycle accident occurs, and the at-fault party notifies their insurance company, the adjuster begins doing their job. They often arrive at the scene of the crash to gather evidence and talk to everyone involved. The adjuster may also contact the victim on the days following the accident to get their testimony.
The injured person is not obligated to speak to the insurance adjuster at the site of the accident. Their primary concern should be tending to the injuries. The victim has the right to refer the insurance company to their attorney. If they have not hired the attorney yet, it is perfectly normal to say that the legal team will contact the adjuster in the coming days.
The goal is to minimize talking to insurance adjusters after a San Antonio bicycle accident before seeking legal assistance.
What Not to Say to the Insurance Company
The job of the insurance adjuster is to find evidence that reduces the settlement amount. That is why they are likely to pressure the injured person into admitting their fault. Things that must not be shared with the insurance company are:
- Apologies or statements suggesting fault: Even a polite apology can be interpreted as admitting responsibility for the crash. Phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I did not see the car” can hurt the case.
- Guesses about what happened: If the victim is unsure about a specific detail, they should not speculate. An “I do not remember” is a valid statement.
- Details about injuries before medical evaluation: Some injuries may not be immediately visible. The injured person should wait until a full diagnosis before discussing any health conditions with the insurer.
- Information about previous injuries: Insurance adjusters may use this to argue that the current injuries were not related to the bicycle accident.
Adjusters may also request to record the conversation for accuracy. The person should not agree to a recorded statement without a lawyer present.
Negotiations with the Insurance Company
Negotiations with insurance companies after a bicycle accident in San Antonio can be stressful and time-consuming. Adjusters are likely to use evidence and pressure to achieve a low settlement.
Injured people are often in a delicate emotional state, which makes it easy for the insurance company to convince them. Conducting such negotiations without an attorney is likely to lead to an unfair payout.
Discuss Talking to Insurance Companies After a Bicycle Accident with a San Antonio Attorney
Talking to insurance companies after a bicycle accident in San Antonio requires a full understanding of the legal landscape. Even a few careless words can affect the amount of your settlement.
A skilled legal team from Felix Gonzalez Law can handle all conversations and negotiations with the insurance company. Call our firm as soon after the accident as possible to discuss your situation.
