Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Auto Accident

If you have been involved in an automobile accident, you will have to deal with the insurance adjuster who is assigned to handle your tort claim. The adjuster is the person who will assess your claim and determine the amount of compensation you should be paid.

Due to the fact that the insurance adjuster is in a position to determine the value of your claim, you should be extremely careful while dealing with them. Since the adjuster’s primary objective is to minimize the payout to the extent possible, they will use your own words against you and try to devalue your claim.

Given below are five tips to help you deal with an insurance adjuster in the aftermath of an automobile accident.

Only State What Is Necessary

Tell the adjuster how the accident happened, when it happened, who were involved, and how you were injured. Do not try to embellish or exaggerate any detail in an effort to strengthen your claim against the liable party. Far from strengthening your case, your speculative statements might end up affecting your case, as the insurance company might raise doubts about the veracity of your statements and deny your claim altogether.

To avoid blurting out anything that might affect your claim, make sure you only give the necessary details about the accident – without telling too much about your claim.

Do Not Give Recorded Statements

One of the most important things you need to know about dealing with an insurance adjuster is that you are not legally obligated to give a recorded statement or a written statement.

If you accidentally give a statement, it will be used against you by the insurance company during the trial – if your case ends up in court. At the deposition, you will be asked several questions about the accident by the insurance company’s lawyer. If your answers do not match the written or recorded statement you gave earlier, the lawyer might question the authenticity of your claims against the at-fault party. So, never, ever agree to give a recorded or written statement.

Do Not Talk about Your Injuries

The insurance adjuster might ask you about your injuries – what kind of injuries you sustained, whether you are seeking treatment, your physician’s opinion on your injuries, and so on. If you respond to these questions, you might accidentally end up telling them something that might make it easier for them to question the severity of your injuries.

For instance, if you tell them that you were feeling fine after the accident and started noticing the symptoms only after a day or two, the insurance company might claim that you were not actually injured in the accident that your claim is based on, since you did not seek treatment right away. So, it is in your best interests to not talk about your injuries to the adjuster.

Do Not Accept Their First Settlement Offer

After investigating your claim, the insurance company might tell you that they are willing to settle the case and make you an offer. This offer is likely to be much lower than what you are actually entitled to under the law.

Remember – the insurance adjuster is not paid to do what is right or fair. They are paid to do whatever it takes to save money for the insurance company. So, they will do everything they possibly can to get away with paying as little as possible – irrespective of what you actually deserve.

You might think that accepting the offer made by the insurance company is a good idea, since the compensation you receive might help you meet the expenses associated with your injuries. It is not advisable, as you will end up ruining your chances of getting the settlement you deserve.

Moreover, automobile accidents can result in catastrophic or debilitating injuries, which might require a lifetime of treatment and care. In some cases, you might be left physically or cognitively disabled, as a result of which you might not be able to work at all. In such a scenario, you should negotiate hard with the adjuster and get the settlement you deserve. In case they refuse to pay you what you deserve, you should take your case to court and recover damages with the help of an attorney.

If you accept the very first offer made by the insurance company, you will give up your right to pursue legal action against the at-fault party. So, rather than accepting their offer, make a counteroffer and be prepared to negotiate or litigate if needed.

Also, remember to follow your doctor’s advice, otherwise the insurance company will claim you are not really hurt. Insurance companies can even follow you around to make sure you’re really hurt.

Get Legal Help

Dealing with the insurance adjuster can be a difficult task, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries. If you have only suffered minor injuries, it is not a bad idea to deal with the adjuster yourself, since they might be willing to pay you what you demand.

If, on the other hand, you have suffered severe injuries, it is advisable to get experienced legal help, as only a skilled and knowledgeable attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve. Contact an attorney in your area today to discuss your accident injury claim.