In the wake of a car accident, you will likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster. While this person may act like they’re on your side, it’s important to remember that this person is not your friend. Their main objective is protecting their company’s bottom line, and they will do whatever they can to make that happen.
Remember, insurance adjusters receive weekly income and benefits because they are good at what they do. They train as negotiators and handle every case with focus on: protecting profits. With this in mind, learn how to handle the insurance adjuster’s phone call.
Insurance Companies’ Tactics
Insurance companies and their adjusters will attempt every trick in the book to pay you less than you deserve after a car accident, including the following:
- Taking a recorded statement. The insurance adjuster may ask to make a recorded statement and get you to say something that may damage your claim.
- Make a low settlement offer. The insurance adjuster may offer you quick cash to settle the matter. However, this is often much less than you deserve.
- Delay your claim or payment. The insurance adjuster may drag their feet and give you bogus reasons as to why they cannot send you a payout anytime soon.
What You Should Avoid When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Whether you are directly dealing with an insurance adjuster or you’re going through the claims-filing process, the things you do and say must be carefully considered. Ensure you keep the following things in mind so you know what to avoid when dealing with insurance adjusters:
- Saying “I’m Sorry” – If you apologize after an accident or when speaking insurance adjusters, they may take this as a sign that you hold some of the fault in the accident. This statement can minimize or damage your claim.
- Saying “I Think” – Be confident about your statements. If you are unsure about something, remember you only have to include the facts of the accident to your knowledge. Insurance adjusters take you saying “I think” as an opening to exploit the situation and turn fault against you.
- Posting on Social Media – Even if you feel your profiles are private, the things you say and share on social media can damage your claim. Photos that contradict your injury claim can lead to a denial. Deleting images or statements related to your accident can also damage your claim as it is the destruction of evidence.
What to Do When an Insurance Adjuster Calls
When an insurance adjuster calls you, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to tell them to speak with your attorney, then hang up. Never accept a settlement, admit fault, apologize for the accident, or provide any statements to the insurance adjuster without an attorney on the line.
At 'MAGGIO LAW, our Jackson personal injury attorneys know how to handle insurance adjusters in a manner that suits your best interest. We’re prepared to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve after a traumatic car accident.
Contact us at (601) 265-6869 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.