After an accident, it’s common for an insurance company to assign an adjuster to investigate the claim and work with the injured party to resolve the matter.
Insurance adjusters may appear in any accident claim that involves an insurance company, from car accidents to premises liability incidents.
While adjusters can be helpful in facilitating the claims process, it’s important to understand their role.
How To Deal With the Insurance Adjuster Assigned to Your Personal Injury Claim
Insurance adjusters are representatives of the insurance company; they don’t work for you and do not have your best interests in mind when processing your claim.
Their job is to mitigate the insurance company’s liability and pay out as little as possible.
Here are some tips for dealing with an insurance adjuster on a personal injury claim:
1. Don’t give a recorded statement without legal representation.
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may inadvertently result in you saying something that may be used against you later in the claims process. You have no legal obligation to give a recorded statement to the insurance company, and it’s often better to wait until you have legal representation before doing so.
2. Be cautious about what you say.
When speaking to an insurance adjuster, it’s important to stick to the facts and avoid providing unnecessary or irrelevant information. For example, don’t discuss your opinions about who was at fault for the accident, as that determination will be made by investigators and legal professionals. Also, never say that you’re “fine” or “not hurt,” even if you feel okay at first. Injuries may not become apparent until days or even weeks after an accident.
3. Don’t sign anything without understanding what you’re agreeing to.
Insurance adjusters may ask you to sign documents, such as medical releases, that could affect your case. Signing a medical records release could allow the adjuster to examine your medical history for pre-existing injuries or conditions. If they find any, they may try to claim the accident didn’t cause your injuries. That’s why it’s important to read any document carefully and have a lawyer review it before signing.
4. Keep detailed records of your communications with the insurance adjuster.
Note the date and time of phone calls or emails, the name and contact information of the adjuster, and a summary of the conversation. This will help you keep track of the status of your claim and provide a reference if there are any discrepancies later on.
5. Avoid making demands or threats.
It’s understandable to feel frustrated or angry after an accident, but it’s important to remain professional and courteous when speaking with an insurance adjuster. Making demands or threats may harm your case and make it more difficult to reach a favorable settlement.
6. Don’t settle too quickly.
Insurance companies may try to offer quick settlements to resolve claims early and cheaply. However, settling too quickly may mean missing out on potential compensation for future medical bills or lost wages. It’s important that you reach maximum medical improvement before accepting a settlement offer.
7. Seek legal representation.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you can help level the playing field when dealing with an insurance adjuster. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
An Experienced St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer Can Protect Your Legal Rights and Interests
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be a daunting task, especially for those who have never been through the claims process before. However, by being cautious and prepared, injured parties can take steps to protect their rights and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, don’t hesitate to seek the guidance of a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer from Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys to help you navigate the complex claims process. Give us a call at (727) 933-0015 to schedule a free consultation.
