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What Should I Say to an Insurance Adjuster After an Accident?

After a car accident, you may receive a call from the other driver’s insurance claims adjuster. However, you need to be careful when speaking with the adjuster.

Whatever you say to the adjuster may be used against you in the claims process, potentially costing you the chance of receiving compensation. If you’re involved in an accident, speak with an accident lawyer at our law firm immediately to ensure you aren’t jeopardizing your chances of receiving the payout you’re due.

If you have hired or plan to hire a lawyer, speak to them about communications with adjusters. In many cases, your attorney can handle this correspondence on your behalf.

When speaking to an insurance adjuster, here are a few things to keep in mind to protect the integrity of your claim.

Maintain a Calm and Polite Demeanor

Regardless of who is liable for the accident, maintain your composure and never use abusive language towards the adjuster. It’s always better to be polite and professional than get angry and lose control in your conversation with the adjuster.

Ask for the Name and Number of the Insurance Adjuster

You have the right to know with whom you’re communicating when you speak with the adjuster. The adjuster must give you their phone number and the insurance company’s name.

When they tell you their contact information, remember to write it down. You are sending the impression that you are aware of what is happening in your conversation with them.

Never Admit Fault

Many people are accustomed to apologizing and admitting fault out of habit. If you apologize for the accident, the adjuster might interpret your apology as a confession of guilt. If you tell an insurer that you believed you were traveling at 70 miles per hour in a 55-mile speed zone, you admit to being partially responsible for the accident since you had been speeding.

Give Limited Information

The adjuster may encourage you to talk more ‌about the accident. If the adjuster asks for personal information, you just need to provide your full legal name, address, and phone number.

You can provide the date, time, and location of the accident. Mention the names of the people involved in it. The adjuster doesn’t need information beyond the circumstances of the accident. You can explain that your accident investigation is ongoing, and you will disclose more facts in a demand letter.

Do Not Describe Your Injuries

During your call with an insurance adjuster, they will ask about the severity of your injury. If they ask about your injuries, politely decline to answer. You might discover an injury later on, or the injury might be worse than expected. Downplaying an injury during the discussion could lead to claim denial.

Never Agree for a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters ask for permission to record your statement, claiming it may protect you later. In reality, the insurance company listens to every word you say if there’s anything they can use against you to reduce or deny you compensation.

You’re under no obligation to offer a complete statement over the phone by law. Politely refuse their request to record your statement. Tell them instead that you will submit your information in a demand letter. An Appleton car crash attorney can help you draft this letter.

Mention You Have a Lawyer

When speaking with an insurance adjuster, you can say you have or intend to engage a car accident attorney. Before communicating with an insurer, consult with a lawyer first if possible.

Your lawyer can help you prepare for ‌questions the adjuster might ask you on a phone call. If the adjuster asks for more details about the accident, tell them to speak with your lawyer and give them your attorney’s contact details.

Never Accept the First Settlement

The insurance company may offer you an initial settlement worth less than you deserve for your injuries. Always say that you must first consult your lawyer before agreeing to any settlement offer. Your attorney can negotiate a reasonable settlement with the insurance company on your behalf.

Work with a Skilled Car Crash Attorney

If you or someone you love suffers injuries in an auto accident, keep your interaction with the insurance adjuster brief. Working with a car crash attorney from Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can help you create a legal strategy to protect your rights.

Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation for your case, and let us protect your rights and help you fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve. 

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