SHOULD YOU CHAT WITH THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AFTER A CAR CRASH?
Count on this: shortly after your accident, the other driver’s insurance company will come knocking. It might feel like the right move, but chatting with an insurance adjuster usually isn’t in your favor. If you’re eyeing a fair settlement, steer clear of those conversations. Instead, hit the brakes and get a car accident attorney on board to navigate this twisty road for you.
Insurance companies are in a tremendous hurry to get to you when you’ve been in an accident with their insured. Some insurance companies even dispatch an adjuster to the accident scene! Don’t make the mistake of believing that they’re in a hurry to pay you the value of your claim, because they’re not. What they are in a hurry to do is get to you before you have a lawyer.
Your Interests vs. the Insurance Company’s Interests
Insurance adjusters often come across as quite friendly and approachable, seemingly ready to lend a helping hand. However, it’s essential to remember the primary goal of the insurance company they represent.
While insurance is undoubtedly beneficial and legally required, the core mission of an insurance company is to generate profits for its shareholders and executives, rather than focusing solely on the needs of the insured or those affected by accidents. Like any large corporation, their main aim is financial success.
This financial goal is achieved by collecting more in premiums than what is paid out in claims. While insurance companies are keen on selling policies, they are not as enthusiastic about paying out claims, as this impacts their profits. This means they employ various strategies to minimize claim payouts. The adjuster, as friendly as they may seem, is skilled in techniques designed to protect the company’s bottom line, sometimes at the expense of the unsuspecting claimant. It’s a smart move to keep this in mind during your interactions with them.
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The Adjuster’s Bag of Tricks
The adjuster will buddy up to you and promise to do his/her best to make things right for you, so you won’t need a lawyer. “Lawyer’ is the very last word the adjuster wants to hear. Remember what the adjuster’s goal is. The adjuster works for the insurance company and knows that once you have a car accident insurance lawyer, the company is going to have to pay you a lot more than if you could be persuaded to go it alone.
The adjuster will ask to record a statement from you about the accident and will then try to lead you into making a statement that will damage your case.
Adjuster: Good morning. How are you today?
You: Fine thanks.
Adjuster: Glad to hear it!
You bet the adjuster is glad. You just said you’re fine. Fine means not injured. Not injured means no payout. Enough said?
NEVER GIVE AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER A RECORDED STATEMENT!
The adjuster will give you medical authorizations and ask you to sign them, telling you that the law requires it. SIGN NOTHING! You haven’t even been treated yet, or your treatment is just beginning. Of course, you will eventually provide medical records, but at this point it’s premature. All the insurance company wants to do is rummage around in your medical history in the hope that something will pop up they can use against you. Sign authorizations only when your attorney tells you to.
The adjuster will offer you a quick settlement. All you have to do is sign a full release. If you do this and next week you discover you have a herniated disc, a slow brain bleed, or complex regional pain syndrome, there will be nothing you can do to get any more compensation for the newly discovered injuries. You’ve signed that right away. And you can be certain the amount being offered won’t be close to fair.
So when the insurance adjuster comes to call, don’t engage. To protect your right to a fair settlement, all you need to tell the adjuster is, “I’ll be happy to take your card and get back to you with the name of my attorney.”
Call an Attorney Now!
Call the Birmingham offices of attorneys Wettermark Keith today. We will throw the full force of our years of experience and success behind your claim. We will fight hard for your right to a recovery that compensates you for all of your injuries. Our consultation is free, and you won’t pay legal fees or expenses until the day you receive your settlement check. If we don’t win (a rare occurrence), you owe us absolutely nothing. Call Wettermark Keith personal injury law firm now for your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally not recommended to speak directly to the other driver’s insurance company after an accident, especially about the specifics of the incident or your injuries. Insurance adjusters may use this conversation to gather information that could potentially reduce the value of your claim. Instead, it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who can communicate on your behalf and ensure that your rights are protected. An attorney can help navigate the complex claims process and negotiate with the insurance company to seek fair compensation for your damages.
If an insurance adjuster asks for a recorded statement, it’s important to exercise caution. Politely decline to provide any recorded statements until you have spoken with a personal injury attorney. Providing a statement without legal advice can inadvertently harm your claim. An attorney can guide you on what information should and should not be shared, and can also handle communications with the insurance company to protect your interests.
An attorney can be invaluable in dealing with insurance companies after a car accident. They can handle all communications and negotiations, ensuring that you don’t unknowingly accept a low settlement or make statements that could be used against your claim. Lawyers are skilled in evaluating the true value of your claim, considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. They can also represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations.
Accepting an early settlement offer from an insurance company can be risky, as it may not fully cover all your expenses and losses, especially if the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life are not yet known. Early offers are often lower than what you may be entitled to, as they may not take into account ongoing medical treatment, long-term care needs, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering. Consulting with an attorney before accepting any offer is crucial to ensure that the settlement reflects the true value of your claim.
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