It’s usually best to call a personal injury lawyer before communicating with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s financial interests, not yours. They may ask leading questions, request recorded statements, or push for a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries or costs.

A personal injury lawyer can protect you from those tactics by handling all communication with the insurer and making sure your claim is presented properly. They’ll review the facts, document your injuries, and calculate what your case may truly be worth before any negotiations begin.

If you’ve already been contacted by an insurance representative, politely decline to discuss the incident until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Once hired, your lawyer will notify the insurer that they’re representing you, manage all correspondence, and make sure no deadlines are overlooked. In short, contacting a lawyer first helps you avoid mistakes that could reduce your compensation and gives you a strong advocate from the very beginning of your case.