No, you should not speak to the insurance company of someone who injured you or damaged your property.

The insurance company represents the At-Fault Party. They are not inherently good or bad, but they do not have your best interests at heart. Lower settlements mean higher profits.

If you speak to an adjuster at the At-Fault Party’s insurance company, he will likely come across as kind and sympathetic. He may say he wants to reach a fair agreement.

But his employer wants the matter to be settled as quickly and cheaply as possible. Preferably, before you talk to a personal injury lawyer.

If you have received significant injuries or damages, you’re better off politely declining to speak to the At-Fault Party’s insurance company. Then contact Funk and Associates immediately and let us help you.

If you do find yourself on the phone with an adjuster, you should:

• Decline to give a recorded statement. This is your right under Texas law, no matter how the adjustor pressures you.
• Be polite, rather than argumentative. While you are not speaking to a friend, you do not need to make them an enemy.
• Only give basic information. They are only entitled to contact info such as your name, phone number and address.
• Do not offer too much information. You don’t have to share what happened in the accident, nor discuss your injuries or treatments. You certainly don’t need to discuss family members or your personal situation.
• Decline to accept or reject their offer to settle. They want to get things done as quickly and cheaply as possible.

If the damages were minor and there were no injuries, employing a personal injury lawyer may not be a viable solution. In such cases, you’re still best served by proceeding slowly and carefully.