If you get into a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of the other driver, there is a high chance you’ll receive a call or an invitation to meet and speak with an insurance claim adjuster after filing your insurance claim.
Insurance adjusters who work for or represent the insurance company put the insurer’s best interests first, not yours. They call to gather information, but they also try to determine their liability and whether they should settle out of court. Below are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with an adjuster.
Stick to personal information
It’s best to keep it brief and stick to the basics when you talk to an insurance adjuster. In general, the only information you need to give them are:
- Your full name
- Your address
- Your contact information
Avoid voluntarily giving insurance adjusters information about your job and medical history. Generally, an adjuster’s main goal is to help insurance companies save money and minimize claims payout. Your employment and medical information might help them do so.
Avoid discussing your injuries
Another topic to avoid discussing in depth are your injuries. Some injury symptoms may not manifest until later on. It’s better to simply tell them that you do not know the full extent of the damage or your injuries yet.
Moreover, try not to discuss the accident in general. Adjusters may use this conversation to try and make you say something they can take as a partial admission of responsibility for the accident. If they ask you about the accident, try to stick to verifiable facts, such as when or where it happened.
Beware of delaying tactics
Car accidents often result in mounting expenses and days without pay. Receiving a claims payout can help reduce your financial strain. Insurance adjusters know this and may deliberately use delaying tactics, making it more difficult for you to receive compensation.
They aim to pressure you into accepting lower settlements or payouts in return for faster processing.
Get advice from a legal professional
Before you speak with a claims adjuster, it is often best to consult someone who would put your best interests first. Consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer can help prepare you on how to deal with insurance adjusters. They can help you navigate your meeting with an adjuster and help ensure you get the compensation you deserve when filing a personal injury lawsuit.