No. You should not communicate directly with the person making the claim or their attorney once a formal claim is made. All communication should go through your insurance company’s claims adjuster or your own attorney. Speaking directly can lead to you accidentally saying something that could be interpreted as admitting fault or liability. It can also undermine the formal process. Let the professionals handle the negotiation and discussion to protect your interests.

Immediately checking for injuries is a critical legal and moral duty. It prioritizes human safety above all else, which courts and insurers view favorably. This action creates a documented starting point for the incident timeline. If you fail to check, it can be portrayed as callous or negligent, severely damaging your credibility in a subsequent liability claim. Your first statement should always be, “Are you okay?“ as it demonstrates concern and initiates the fact-finding process.

You must provide business records that demonstrate your historical earnings. Gather documents like invoices, client payment records, bank statements showing deposits, and your filed tax returns (Schedule C) for the previous one to two years. The goal is to show a clear pattern of income that was disrupted. For gig platforms, download your earnings summaries. Consistent records are key, as insurers often scrutinize self-employed claims more closely.