When you’ve been involved in an accident or suffered an injury, it can be stressful for you and your family. Dealing with insurance adjusters to receive compensation is often a crucial part of the claims process. While adjusters are there to handle your claim, their primary goal is to minimize the payout for the insurance company. To protect your interests and avoid jeopardizing your claim, an experienced attorney can help manage your claim.
Insurance Adjusters and You
1. Understand the Role of an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters are employed by insurance companies to investigate claims, assess damages, and determine settlements. They may seem friendly and helpful, but remember that their primary responsibility is to the insurance company, not to you. They aim to reduce the company’s financial liability, which can sometimes mean offering lower settlements or challenging the validity of your claim.
2. Do Not Provide Recorded Statements Without Legal Counsel
One of the most critical mistakes you can make is giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without consulting with an attorney first. Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement to capture your account of the incident and your injuries. While this might seem like a routine procedure, anything you say can be used against you later. Adjusters may use your words to find inconsistencies or to minimize the extent of your injuries. To avoid this mistake, always consult with a personal injury attorney like Andrew Maze before giving a recorded statement. Your attorney can guide you on what information is appropriate to include in your statement and ensure that you don’t inadvertently provide details that could harm your case.
3. Be Cautious with Your Words
Adjusters are skilled at asking questions designed to elicit responses that might weaken your claim. They might ask questions in a way that seems innocent but is intended to get you to downplay your injuries or admit fault. Even seemingly benign statements can be used to argue that your injuries are less severe or that the accident wasn’t as impactful as you say it was. Be careful with your responses and avoid discussing details about your injuries or how the accident occurred until you’ve had a chance to review everything with your attorney. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating or offering opinions on the extent of your injuries or how the accident happened.
4. Do Not Accept a Settlement Without Full Knowledge of Your Damages
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement to resolve your claim and close the case as soon as possible. These initial offers are often lower than what you might be entitled to, especially if you haven’t fully assessed the extent of your injuries or damages. Accepting a settlement too early means you might miss out on compensation for future medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term suffering. Work with your attorney to evaluate the complete financial and personal impact of the accident before agreeing to any settlement. Your attorney can help ensure that the offer adequately covers all your needs, including potential future costs.
5. Keep Detailed Records
Insurance adjusters may request various documents and records to support your claim, including medical records, repair estimates, and proof of lost wages. Keeping detailed and accurate records can help substantiate your claim and provide the necessary evidence to back up your damages. Make sure that all your documentation is complete and accurate, and provide it to your attorney to help strengthen your case.
6. Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media
In today’s digital age, social media can significantly impact your personal injury claim. Adjusters and insurance companies may monitor your social media accounts to find evidence that could be used to dispute your claim. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context or used to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Refrain from posting about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery on social media. Ensure your privacy settings are strict, and consider avoiding social media altogether until your case is resolved.
7. Consult with an Attorney
Perhaps the most important step in dealing with insurance adjusters is to consult with a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement.
What You Should Know
Dealing with insurance adjusters requires careful handling to avoid compromising your personal injury claim. By understanding their role, being cautious with your statements, avoiding early settlements, maintaining detailed records, and consulting with an attorney, you can better protect your rights and maximize your chances of a fair and just outcome. Remember, your goal is to secure the compensation you deserve, and taking these steps can help ensure that your claim is handled effectively.