Posted in Car Accidents on August 11, 2025
It is very common for victims of car accidents to need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, there are several risks you take when doing so without the help of an attorney. So, should you discuss your accident case with an insurance agent?
While you will need to alert the insurance company of the accident, you should avoid providing substantial details about your injuries and losses until you hire a Long Beach car accident lawyer or are fully confident in what all of your losses will be.
Do You Legally Have to Speak to the Insurance Agent?
No law says a victim must speak to an insurance agent after a car accident. There are times when they will need information, and providing it can be valuable; however, they cannot legally force you to specifically speak with an adjuster.
Note that there are times when doing so is helpful. For example, if the policyholder is lying to their insurance company about what happened or the circumstances, the insurance company will gather information from you to clarify matters.
In the ideal situation, you will alert the insurance company of the accident and then allow your car accident attorney to handle all questions and verifications. That minimizes your risk.
What to Know If You Speak to the Insurance Company
If you discuss your accident with the insurance agent, there are several very important things you must consider before you say anything:
- The agent is not on your side. Their specific job is to pay out as little as possible, in your case. As a result, they do not want to meet all of your needs.
- They are looking for areas where they can shift fault to you or limit your ability to file a claim. For example, if you state that you “just looked away,” that may indicate distracted driving. Be very careful about what you say and how you phrase it to the insurance company.
- Avoid details. You do not need to provide details to the insurance company that are private to you. For example, do not provide a breakdown of your injuries and treatment plans. You also do not need to talk about how you are feeling.
- Do not let them record it. While this may seem like a way to protect yourself, it actually puts you at risk for manipulation later.
- Do not speculate on any area. If the insurance company asks you what you “thought” occurred or what you “think” you saw, only provide facts. Do not speculate on the details, as that can create risk for you.
Most of the time, you should avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company whenever possible. Unless your claim is straightforward and simplistic, you are putting yourself at risk by telling them anything. By hiring an attorney to guide you, you minimize this risk and, in most situations, will be able to protect your compensation.
Seek a Free Consultation from an Attorney First
A Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can offer insight into whether you should speak to the insurance agent during a free consultation. If you are not sure, request one. Discuss your case and find out how the insurance company may be able to help you.