After a car accident, you can expect to deal with medical bills and car repairs—but you may be surprised at how quickly the insurance company reaches out to you. An insurance adjuster will contact you within days, sounding friendly and helpful. But if you don’t know how to handle investigative calls from auto insurance adjusters, you could unknowingly say something that weakens your claim. Keep in mind the insurance companies make money by paying as little as possible. Frequently, an insurance company will offer you a quick low settlement in an effort to limit its exposure.
What Is An Insurance Adjusters?
Insurance adjusters, who work directly for insurance companies, are responsible for investigating claims to determine how much the insurance company should pay you. They inspect property damage and injuries, review police reports, and interview claimants and witnesses.
During investigative calls from auto insurance adjusters, they may ask questions designed to minimize the value of your claim. Though they may seem friendly and supportive, keep in mind their goal is to gather information that could reduce your settlement or avoid a payout entirely.
Tactics Insurance Adjusters Use to Undermine Your Claim
Insurance adjusters are trained to try to settle claims quickly and cheaply. They use different tactics to get you to accept a lower settlement offer, or even deny your claim. If you’re not prepared for investigative calls from auto insurance adjusters, you risk making statements that could hurt your chances of getting fair compensation.
Here are some common tactics insurance adjusters might use:
- Friendly Approach: Insurance adjusters may try to come across as friendly and caring, however they only want information they can use to protect the insurance company.
- Leading Questions: They might ask you questions in a way that makes you admit you were partly at fault. For example, they may ask, “Were you looking at your phone at the time of the accident?” This could imply you caused the crash.
- Quick Settlement Offers: The adjuster may offer you a quick settlement, hoping you’ll accept before fully understanding how much your injuries could cost in medical bills and lost wages.
- Requesting Your Medical Records: Insurance companies sometimes ask for broad access to your medical records to find pre-existing conditions and argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
- Delaying Tactics: They might delay your case, hoping that you’ll become frustrated and settle for less.
How to Talk to Insurance Claims Adjusters Without Hurting Your Case
If you’re unsure of how to talk to insurance claims adjusters, it’s important to approach the conversation with caution to protect your rights. What you say can impact the outcome of your claim, so it’s important to stay mindful of your responses.
Here are a few key points to remember when handling investigative calls from auto insurance adjusters:
1. Take Notes and Ask for the Adjuster’s Information
When you begin your call, always make a note of the name of the insurance adjuster you’re speaking with for future reference. Ask for their position, the insurance company they represent, and their phone number. Take note of what was discussed and any offers or requests.
2. Only Share Essential Information:
Only provide personal information like your name, contact details, the time/date of the accident, and the make and model of your vehicle. Keep your answers brief and focused on these important details.
3. Be Firm and Concise:
Keep your responses brief and to the point. Avoid saying unnecessary details that could lead to misinterpretation. Staying calm and courteous with the insurance claims adjuster can help facilitate a smooth claim process.
4. Do NOT Discuss Your Injuries:
Refrain from explaining the extent of your injuries. Providing premature statements about your injuries could harm your case later on, especially if new information comes to light. If they ask about your injuries, you can say: “I am still receiving treatment and will provide updates when appropriate.”
5. Do NOT Admit Fault:
Even if you believe you are at least partially responsible for the incident, avoid making statements that could suggest liability.
6. Do NOT Guess or Speculate:
If you aren’t sure about something, don’t guess. For example, don’t speculate on how fast you were driving or the severity of your injuries.
7. Do NOT Agree to a Recorded Statement
Adjusters may ask to speak to give a recorded statement. Insurance companies can use these recordings against you, so it’s wise to consult a lawyer first. You can politely decline and say: “I’d like to consult with my attorney before making any recorded statements.”
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how to answer a question, it’s always okay to say, “I don’t know,” or ask to speak to your attorney before proceeding. A personal injury attorney can guide you how to talk to insurance claims adjusters without compromising your case.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help with Insurance Adjusters
One wrong word to an insurance adjuster can cost you thousands of dollars. They are trained to reduce claims, delay payouts, and protect their company’s bottom line. However, a skilled personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly throughout the claims process.
Here’s how a car accident attorney can assist you with insurance adjusters.
- Handling All Communication: Your attorney can speak with the adjuster on your behalf, which can prevent you from making statements that hurt your case.
- Preserving the Facts: An attorney ensures that all facts about the accident are properly documented and communicated.
- Evaluating Settlement Offers: A lawyer can evaluate any settlement offers to make sure they’re fair and reflect the true value of your claim.
- Negotiating on Your Behalf: If the insurance company offers a low amount, your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to court if needed.
- Fighting for Your Rights: A lawyer makes sure you’re treated fairly and ensures you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Recommended Reading:
- What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?
- Personal Injury Attorney: Is Hiring One Worth It?
- How to Choose a Personal Injury Attorney
Why Choose El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers?
If you’ve been injured in an accident and are dealing with an insurance adjuster, having the right legal guidance can make all the difference. The skilled attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers over 20 years of experience offering:
- Aggressive representation for injured victims
- Immediate steps toward proper medical treatment and insurance coverage;
- Personal attention to the client and ease of access to the attorney.
- No upfront fees – we don’t get paid unless you win
Don’t Handle Insurance Adjusters Alone!
Handling insurance adjusters can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we’ve spent years protecting accident victims from insurance company tactics, ensuring they receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s work together to secure the compensation you deserve!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
