5 Things to Do Before Talking to an Insurance Adjuster
It’s natural to feel a great deal of frustration after being injured in an accident. Aside from the additional stress, you may find yourself avoiding calls from the other party’s insurance company.
Insurance adjusters will be contacting you, but you should know what you should and should not say to them before you pick up the phone.
Continue reading below for five things you need to do before talking to an insurance adjuster:
Table of Contents
1. Request Their Information
It is critical to gather information from an insurance adjuster (or anyone from the insurance company) before speaking with them. This includes their name, phone number, address, and insurance company name. Additionally, you must confirm the person’s name on whose behalf the company is calling.
2. Consult with a Professional
Dealing with insurance companies on your own can be a nightmare. It only adds to the misery when you’re already dealing with a slew of other problems, such as physical, emotional, and financial trauma. Plus, many insurance companies are known to take the opportunity of your lack of knowledge and fail to inform you of your rights.
A knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney can not only help you with your personal injury claim but can also make a difficult situation bearable.
Unless you share your experience with a trusted friend or family member, stick to need-to-know information. Insurance companies and adjusters are not always concerned with what is best for you and have a reputation for only looking out for themselves. These companies will try to keep their money, and they may use your personal information against you.
Set expectations by informing the adjuster of what you will and will not be discussing. Make sure you only share the essentials of the accident. This includes:
- The time of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The type of incident that took place
Because many injuries do not manifest immediately, it is best not to share details too soon. Always speak to an attorney first.
4. Don’t Agree to Be Recorded
Under the guise of your protection, he or she may try to persuade you to share more information than is necessary. The adjuster you’re speaking with will regularly ask for your permission to record the conversation.
However, you should refuse to be recorded because much of what you say could be used against you. You also may be more intimidated by being recorded and accidentally say something you regret.
5. Don’t Accept the First Offer
It’s possible that you’re feeling overwhelmed by mounting medical bills and lost wages. For these reasons, an insurance company settlement offer may appear to be a dream come true.
Only 5% of personal injury cases are tried in court. That means that 95% of cases are resolved through pre-trial settlement. However, that’s because most people accept the first offer they receive, and these people might not receive the full amount owed to them.
It is important to understand that insurance companies strive to pay you the least amount of money possible in the settlement stage. Because many injuries do not appear for weeks or even months, accepting a settlement too soon may result in you not receiving all the money you are owed for your bills.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, it can have a significant impact on daily life – physically, emotionally, and financially.
It is critical to keep yourself armed with the necessary knowledge to protect yourself and your family. Make sure you have the right people in your corner who are looking out for your best interests to help you where you can’t.
