Our Car Accident Lawyers Help Victims Nationwide Handle Insurance Adjuster Calls With Confidence
You're still shaken up and recovering from a collision that wasn't your fault. As you're trying to process what happened, your phone rings. It's an insurance adjuster, asking for details about the crash. What should you do?
While they may seem friendly, their goal is to minimize the insurance company's payout—potentially at your expense. This is when having the experienced attorneys at Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group on your side really matters. Read on to learn what to do—and what not to do—when an insurance adjuster calls after your car accident.
Understanding the Role of Insurance Adjusters
The primary responsibility of these industry professionals is to investigate claims and determine the amount of money the insurance company should pay out. However, it's important to understand that their interests likely won’t align with yours.
When an adjuster contacts you, they're gathering information to build a case. The goal? Settle your claim quickly and for as little money as possible. They know how to ask questions that may seem innocent but can be used to minimize your claim. They might inquire about your speed, whether you saw the other car, or if you could have done anything to avoid the accident. These questions are designed to shift some of the blame onto you, even if the accident wasn't your fault.
It's crucial to remember that anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used to reduce your compensation. Even a simple "I'm feeling fine" could be interpreted as evidence that your injuries aren't severe, potentially impacting your claim.
This is why representation is so important. At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, it’s our responsibility as your legal counsel to handle all communications with insurers, ensuring your rights are protected and that you don't inadvertently say something that could harm your case—or settle for less than you deserve.
Common Tactics Used by Adjusters
Adjusters employ various strategies to minimize payouts. Being aware of them can help you avoid potential pitfalls.
One common approach is the "friendly adjuster" role. They may appear sympathetic and concerned about your well-being, encouraging you to open up about the accident. While this might seem harmless, it's often a way to get you to let your guard down and potentially say something that might be used against your case.
Another tactic is pressuring you to give a recorded statement. They might say it's standard procedure or necessary to process your claim quickly. However, these statements can be manipulated or taken out of context to dispute your claim later.
Adjusters might also try to discourage you from seeking legal representation, suggesting that lawyers will only complicate the process or take a large portion of your settlement. In reality, having an attorney often leads to higher settlements, even after legal fees are considered.
Some adjusters might offer a fast settlement, hoping you'll accept before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages. This can leave you unable to claim additional compensation if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought.
7 Things to Remember When an Insurance Adjuster Calls
The best approach is to politely decline to give detailed information or recorded statements until you've consulted with an attorney who can guide you through the process. However, if you must have a conversation, it’s important to handle it carefully. Here’s what we recommend.
- Stay calm and polite. While it's natural to feel stressed or frustrated, maintain a professional demeanor.
- Refuse a recorded statement. Instead, explain that you'll provide a written statement after speaking with your attorney.
- Limit personal information. Provide only basic contact details like your name, address, and phone number. Avoid discussing details about the accident, your injuries, or your medical treatment.
- Don't admit fault. Even if you think you might have been partially responsible, avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Determining liability can be murky until the accident investigation is complete.
- Don't discuss injuries. Avoid talking about your injuries, even if you think they're minor. The full extent of some medical conditions may not be immediately apparent, and discussing them prematurely could limit your claim.
- Get their information. It’s okay to ask for the adjuster's name, company, and contact details. Also, ask about the claim number associated with your case.
- Refer to your attorney. If you've already hired an attorney, inform the adjuster and provide your lawyer's contact information. If you haven't yet retained counsel, tell them you’re seeking legal advice before discussing the claim further.
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially as you’re attempting to move forward from the incident. But don't let insurers take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, our nationwide team of skilled attorneys understands the tactics adjusters might try and how to counter them. We're committed to protecting your rights and striving for solid results with settlements that cover injury recovery, lost wages, and other damages.