Car Accidents: Why You Should Be Wary of Calls From an Insurance Adjuster
The aftermath of a car accident can be immensely stressful, as the victim may now have to deal with painful injuries, medical bills, missing work, vehicle repairs, and more. The victim of the accident may receive constant phone calls from insurance agencies, doctors, and repair shops. With so many things to take care of, it can be difficult to get through it all without support from an attorney.
There is a certain phone call that every victim of a car accident must be wary of, and that one from an insurance adjuster. These representatives do not always have the victim’s best of interest at heart. In fact, an adjuster may do whatever they can to minimize the extent of the victim’s injuries and losses, to prevent from paying out in a large settlement.
Talking with an Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster may call the victim of the car accident soon after the claim was submitted. Those who are worried their words will get picked apart by the adjuster, can have an attorney take over these conversations instead. If you feel comfortable speaking with the adjuster, remember to be confident and strictly factual in your dialogue. We suggest having your accident documents, medical records, and other proof in front of you, to help you recall the factors of how the collision happened.
If an Adjuster Offers a Settlement
Keep in mind that an adjuster’s role is to evaluate your circumstances and decide how much you may receive in a settlement. It is appropriate to share with the adjuster information about the extent of your damages and losses. Your attorney can help you determine the amount you need to recover from the accident. Do not be alarmed if the insurance adjuster initially offers you a settlement that is way below a fair amount. The adjuster may be trying to see if you are willing to accept a lower number before increasing it.
Insurance Adjusters Can Be Sneaky
An insurance adjuster may call you and come off as being very friendly and concerned for your wellbeing. However, do not be tricked by this front. By being amicable, the adjuster may be attempting to establish trust so you speak freely about the car accident. The adjuster may use what you say against you, so it is imperative that you do not forget the intention of their phone call. Under no circumstances should you provide an official verbal statement over the phone before talking with your legal representative. An attorney can help prepare you for how to handle these phone calls from an adjuster.
If you or someone you love needs advice when dealing with a car accident, do not hesitate to reach out to us to talk with an auto accident lawyer Lakeland, FL offers. They will help protect your interests from shady insurance adjusters. Don’t fight this alone.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at David & Philpot, PL for their insight into car accident cases and why to be cautious speaking to insurance companies.