Why the other insurer calls so fast
The adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Early calls often come before you know the full extent of your injuries or what treatment may cost.
A quick offer can feel helpful when bills are arriving. But accepting an offer and signing a release may close your claim before you know what you've lost.
The recorded statement isn't just a formality
What you say in a recorded statement may be used to question how badly you were hurt or who was at fault. Even an answer like saying you feel fine may be compared with later medical records.
You can usually tell the other driver's insurer you're not ready to give a recorded statement yet. Your duties to your own insurer may be different, so check your policy and ask an attorney if you're unsure.
Cashing that check can end your claim
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you generally can't go back for more. That may still apply if new medical bills show up later.
Before cashing a check, read any conditions attached to it and any paperwork you're asked to sign. If you don't understand what you're agreeing to, ask an attorney before accepting it.
Injuries often show up days later
Some injuries aren't obvious right after a crash. Soreness, headaches or back pain may start in the days that follow.
That uncertainty is one reason settling early can be risky. If symptoms develop or worsen, seek medical care and keep records of what you're experiencing.
A claim can cover more than your car
An injury claim may include medical bills, missed work and ongoing treatment. It may also account for how the crash has affected your daily life.
What you can recover depends on the facts, available insurance and the law in your state. Keep bills, medical records and notes about missed work together so you can explain what happened.
The 3-Point Claim Check
Most car accident claims come down to three things. Our check asks about all three in about 60 seconds.
- 1
An injury
You were hurt, even if it didn't seem serious at first.
- 2
Someone else at fault
Another driver or company caused the crash.
- 3
Insurance coverage
There's a policy that may cover what happened.
Answer a few quick questions. If it looks like you may have a claim, a local injury attorney's office will give you a call soon, so keep your phone close. You don't have to go ahead.
What happens when you check
- 1
Answer a few quick questions
Tell us about the accident and how it's affected you. The check takes about 60 seconds, and there's no obligation.
- 2
A local attorney's office calls you
If it looks like you might have a claim, we match you with one participating attorney near you, and their office gives you a quick call.
- 3
Talk through your options
A local injury attorney's office will explain your options. Participating attorneys work on contingency. No upfront attorney's fees, and they're only paid if you recover.
We're a marketing service, not a law firm. We don't evaluate cases, give legal advice or recommend attorneys. You decide whether to work with the attorney whose office contacts you.
Go deeper
A few questions before you check
Do I have to talk to the other insurance company?
You generally don't have to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement right away. You may have different duties to your own insurer. An attorney can explain what applies to your situation.
Will this cost me anything?
The check is free and there's no obligation to go ahead. Participating attorneys work on contingency. No upfront attorney's fees, and they're only paid if you recover. Case costs depend on your agreement with the attorney.
Will lots of lawyers call me?
No. If you submit an eligible contact request, we send it to a local injury attorney's office. We never send your details to a list of firms.
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still have a claim. The rules depend on your state and how fault is shared. An attorney can explain those rules without you having to commit to going ahead.
How long do I have?
Every state has a filing deadline, and exceptions may change it. In Arizona and Georgia, the general deadline for an injury claim is two years from the accident. Speak to a local attorney soon to confirm the deadline that applies to you.