After a car crash, one of the first calls you may receive is from an insurance adjuster. While it might seem smart to return the call and discuss the details of the accident right away, it’s important to approach this situation with caution. How you handle communication with insurance adjusters can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
Insurance adjusters work for an insurance company, not for you. Their primary role is to minimize the payout that their employer, the insurance company, has to make. While they may seem friendly and sympathetic, their goal is to gather information that could be used to minimize or deny your claim. It’s important to remember that anything you say to an adjuster can be used against you later in the claims process.
Be cautious about what you say
It’s important to understand that, especially if you sustained injuries as a result of your crash, you can wait to return an insurance adjuster’s calls until after you’ve spoken with a skilled legal team. With that said, if you decide to speak with an insurance adjuster, be very careful about what you say.
It’s best to provide only basic information, such as your name, contact information and the fact that the accident occurred. Avoid discussing details about the crash, your injuries or who you believe was at fault. Statements made early on, especially before you fully understand the extent of your injuries, can be misinterpreted or taken out of context.
Insurance adjusters may offer a quick settlement to close your case as soon as possible. While it might be tempting to accept an immediate payment, these initial offers may not be valued properly. Accepting a quick settlement can prevent you from receiving adequate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage and long-term care needs. It is, therefore, important to fully understand the financial value of your damages before agreeing to the terms of a settlement.
Your priority after a crash should be protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. By seeking legal guidance before engaging with an insurance adjuster, you can better ensure that your claim is handled properly and that you don’t inadvertently jeopardize the strength of your case.