The hours following a car accident are often some of the most frustrating. You will undoubtedly spend a substantial amount of time on the phone, calling your insurance company and going over the details of what occurred. The other party’s insurance company will also reach out to you and it is crucial to handle this conversation with caution. Insurance adjusters are not interested in helping you maximize compensation for your injuries. To save the company money, insurance adjusters will try to glean statements from you that can harm your case.
Tips to Handle Your Conversation with the Insurance Adjuster
When speaking to the other party’s insurance company, you should remember to remain polite. Being rude or aggressive will not do you any favors, so stay calm and do not react angrily to any of the adjuster’s questions.
Here are some other tips that will come in handy when speaking to the insurance adjuster handling your claim:
- Do not provide a lot of personal information: The insurance adjuster will ask you a lot of questions and you are not obligated to answer all of them. For example, when it comes to personal information, you need only provide the basics, such as your name, address, and phone number. You can also let them know who your employer is, but you do not need to explain what you do or tell them how much you make.
- Do not try to recount how the accident occurred: Do not make the mistake of explaining how the accident occurred. The insurance adjuster will try to obtain a statement from you regarding the events leading up to the accident, but you must not comply with this request. Your case is still under investigation, so discussing the details early on in the case is not appropriate. These details will likely be discussed when you and your personal injury attorney write up a demand letter.
- Do not talk about your injuries: You might receive your first call from the other party’s insurance company before you even have a chance for a doctor to examine you, so now is not the time to discuss your injuries. In fact, it would be best to avoid discussing your injuries until it is time to write your demand letter. It is impossible to know the extent of your injuries at this stage or how long it might take for you to achieve a full recovery, so decline to answer questions regarding your injuries.
- Do not be in a rush to settle: It is not uncommon for an insurance adjuster to quickly offer a settlement. Fast settlements save insurance companies time and money, especially when accident victims sign on the dotted line before understanding how serious their injuries are.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you sustained injuries in an auto accident, contact the team at May, Rammell & Wells for the skilled legal representation you deserve. With more than 70 years of combined experience, you can trust in our ability to represent you.
Call us at (208) 623-8021 to schedule a consultation.