Not long after a car accident, one of the first calls you receive will come from the other party’s insurance company. At this point, you will likely still be in shock and reeling from this unexpected and traumatic occurrence. You might not have even had a chance to visit the hospital and know little or nothing about your injuries. To avoid saying anything that will harm your claim, it essential to navigate this conversation and all subsequent calls with caution.
How to Handle a Conversation with the Insurance Adjuster
It is important to keep in mind that the insurance adjuster is not on your side. The adjuster’s job is to save the insurance company money and, to accomplish this, the statements you make will be taken out of context to poke holes in your case. That said, you should still seek to remain polite and calm when speaking to the adjuster. Giving the adjuster a piece of your mind might feel great, but it will not do you any favors.
The following tips will help you navigate your conversations with the insurance adjuster:
- Do not provide too much information: The insurance adjuster is going to ask you some questions and it might feel like the perfect time to get chatty and explain exactly what happened, but that would actually be a big mistake. Only provide the basics, such as your name, contact information, where the accident occurred, when it occurred, and the types of vehicles involved. You do not need to talk about whether or not you think you are injured.
- Write down notes about your conversation: It can be hard to remember exactly what was said during this phone conversations, especially given how stressful this situation can be, so take down some notes. Write down the information you provided, the information you received, the name of the adjuster you spoke to, and any other pertinent information you might need to recall at a later time.
- Do not rush to settle: It probably sounds unlikely, but the fact is some insurance adjusters are prepared to offer a settlement after one or two phone conversations. Car accident victims often fear this will be their only chance to obtain compensation and feel pressured to accept this initial offer. Unfortunately, these early offers are often unreasonably low, so you should not be in a rush to accept it.
Your personal injury attorney will be able to advise you on all subsequent conversations you have, so do not postpone obtaining the legal assistance you need to navigate this troubling situation. With a fierce legal advocate on your side, you can protect your rights and avoid being taken advantage of by the insurance company.
Speak to a Compassionate Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you were injured in a car accident, contact the knowledgeable and experienced personal injury team at Crossen Law Firm for the aggressive legal representation you need to hold the responsible party liable for your injuries. You should not suffer in silence or pay for someone else’s mistakes.
Call our law office today at (317) 401-8626 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
.jpg)