The other side’s attorney may wish to contact you if you’ve been in a car accident. In general, talking to them is a bad idea. Your car accident lawyer in San Antonio can talk you through what you can do if the other side wants to talk to you.

3 Reasons Not to Talk to the Other Side’s Car Accident Lawyer

1. They Could Twist Your Words

Attorneys do everything they can to defend their clients, even if the evidence suggests their client is liable for a car accident. Because of this, the other side’s lawyer will often try to take your words out of context and attempt to use them against you to help build their client’s case.

Talk to your lawyer about how best to avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted. Visit this page to find out more about how else your attorney can help you during your case.

2. They Could Try To Get You to Share Too Much

The other side’s attorney likely has tactics they can use to get you to share more information than necessary. Sharing too much information is never a good idea. Your attorney is the only one you should share information with regarding your case.

Sharing something with the other side that they previously didn’t know isn’t a good idea, and it’s very easy to do so accidentally. It can also harm your case if you share something with the other side that you forgot to share with your own attorney.

3. They Could Get You to Mix Up Your Words

It’s naturally going to make you nervous if the other lawyer contacts you. They can use your hesitation and nerves against you to make it seem like you’re guilty or trying to hide something. Your nerves can lead to confusion and a tendency to mix up words and facts, so getting rid of nerves is vital if you end up talking to the other lawyer.

If you get mixed up, the other side can use this against you to try and discredit your case. Correcting yourself won’t always help because they may try to claim you’re just trying to cover your tracks. This is why it’s so important to let all communication between you and the other side happen via your attorney.

Ask a Car Accident Lawyer in San Antonio: What Should You Do If the Other Side Contacts You?

Never reach out to the other side, but they may attempt to contact you. You can refuse to speak to them, then contact your lawyer and tell them the other attorney tried to get in touch.

However, sometimes the other side will contact you, and you’ll feel obligated to stay on the phone and respond to them. If this happens, then the tips below should help you.

What To Do on the Phone With the Other Side’s Car Accident Lawyer

1. Don’t Be Nervous

You may be nervous, but it’s important to appear as calm as you can. If needed, ask the party on the other line to give you a moment to move into a quieter area. Use this time to take some deep breaths and do calming exercises, so you’re in the best mindset possible when you take the call.

2. Don’t Share New Information

Only share information that you’ve already shared with your attorney. The other side probably knows this information already. This way, you’re not giving them anything new to work with to try and build a stronger case against you.

3. Don’t Guess

Sometimes the other side will ask you questions you don’t know the answers to. Don’t try to guess. Tell them you don’t have the information they’re looking for. This won’t incriminate you or harm your case.

3. Don’t Forget to Note Who You’re Talking to

At the start and end of the call, you should ask the person their name and the name of their firm. Write this down so you have a record of it to share with your attorney.

4. Don’t Hesitate to Call Your Attorney

If you weren’t expecting this call, then call your attorney as soon as you get off the phone. Tell them everything you said, detailing as much of the conversation as possible.

What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer To Help Me?

Most car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee, so you never have to walk into a case unrepresented. Always hire an attorney to help you build a case, and let them communicate with the other side on your behalf.

It’s best not to talk to the other side when you’re involved in a car accident case. However, if you do end up in conversation with them, follow the tips above. Give your attorney all the details of every interaction you have with the other lawyer.