Dealing with a car accident’s aftermath is not easy, particularly when you get constant calls from an insurance adjuster. This person is trained to evaluate accidents for the insurer. Their role in the claims process can affect your likelihood of securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. This makes it important to learn to deal with them properly. Usually, an Oaks Law Firm car accident attorney in Bakersfield will suggest letting them handle the talks with the adjuster. Still, you may not be able to avoid the insurance adjuster completely, so it’s best to prepare yourself for possible interactions with them.
What Do Insurance Adjusters Do?
Insurance adjusters deal with insurance claims for the insurer. They will take statements from all the parties involved, review police reports, and evaluate the damage that an accident caused. An adjuster may seem friendly, but their loyalty lies with the company that employs them. Insurers train their adjusters to safeguard their bottom line. The adjuster who handles your claim will make lowball settlement offers or pressure you to settle the claim quickly. To avoid losing your right to reasonable compensation, be careful when talking to the adjuster.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Dealing with an Insurance Adjuster
When you get a call from an insurance adjuster about your car accident claim, here’s how you should interact with them:
- Ask for their details. If an adjuster approaches you following a car crash, ask for their personal details like name, contact information, and the insurer they represent. Such information is vital for future interactions or possible lawsuits.
- Limit what you say to the adjuster. Ideally, you should not talk about your injuries to the adjuster to avoid saying something that can be used against you later. The extent and severity of your injuries will play an important role in determining the compensation you can seek. Giving wrong information to the adjuster can jeopardize your claim. Thus, rather than speculating about the seriousness of your injuries, wait until a doctor provides you with a proper assessment.
- Stay calm. When an adjuster approaches you, respond to them politely and calmly, even if you do not like the interaction. Being angry or rude with the adjuster won’t help. Sometimes, your temper can be used against you.
- Refuse requests for a recorded statement. The adjuster may request that you give them a recorded statement. They may claim this is a requirement to process your claim. But you do not have an obligation to give in to this request. In fact, you should never give a recorded statement because your words can be twisted and misinterpreted by the insurer and used against your claim.
- Do not admit fault. Even if you believe you share the blame for causing the accident, you should avoid admitting fault in any way. Admitting fault can come in many forms. Even saying sorry for what happened can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault.
- Be honest when answering questions. When the adjuster asks questions, answer them honestly. Do not exaggerate your statements or downplay the accident. Inaccurate and inconsistent statements can ruin your claim.
- Do not accept the initial settlement offers. The adjuster may try to resolve your claim as quickly as possible by making lowball settlement offers. These offers do not reflect the full extent of your damages, so make sure to reject them. Keep in mind that the main goal of the adjuster is to make the smallest amounts of payouts possible.
- Hire an attorney. Do not wait until you get a call from an insurance adjuster before you hire an attorney. An experienced attorney will guide you as you interact with the adjuster, including what to say to them.