- March 13, 2024
- Car Accidents
- Personal Injury
After a car accident, insurance adjusters will work diligently to ensure you receive little to no compensation for your injuries. They might sound helpful or friendly, but these are tactics they use to get you to let your guard down so you can make comments that can potentially jeopardize your claim. Never allow them to take a recorded statement from you, and whatever you do, never apologize for the accident. Remember, the insurance adjuster is not your friend.You can avoid these costly mistakes by hiring a personal injury attorney to speak on your behalf. Contact the experienced legal team for the skilled representation you deserve during this difficult time.
Contact Goodman Acker today at (248) 286-8100 for legal representation you can rely on.
What Does an Insurance Claims Adjuster Do?
When you receive a call from an insurance claims adjuster, they likely represent the other party's insurance company. Their role involves investigating the accident and reviewing insurance policies to assess potential compensation amounts.
It's important to understand that insurance companies aim to minimize payouts on claims, as they are profit-driven entities. Therefore, choosing the right words after an accident is crucial for securing the rightful compensation you deserve.
Recognizing what not to divulge to an insurance adjuster can feel like an additional source of stress after a car accident. A personal injury attorney understands the worth of your claim and can gather pertinent information to prepare for discussions with an insurance adjuster.
What Information Do Insurance Adjusters Seek?
Knowing how to communicate with an insurance claims adjuster involves understanding what details they hope to glean from their conversation with you.
An insurance adjuster is interested in the following aspects after a collision:
- The specific circumstances and details of your auto accident claim
- The damages and losses incurred as a result of the crash.
Armed with this information, insurance adjusters aim to identify any factors that might mitigate the potential value of your damages claim. They may schedule an inspection of your vehicle or request images of the damage for which you seek compensation.
Moreover, an insurance claims adjuster may advise you to take your car to a designated repair shop or encourage you to obtain repair estimates from various shops to find the most economical option. The adjuster will also be looking for any facts suggesting you were at fault for the accident.
Essential Tips to Deal With Insurance After a Car Accident
Insurance companies train their employees with a singular objective: to find ways to minimize the compensation they have to provide to you. This is why it's crucial to approach these conversations with tips and strategies to counter their tactics. To get you started, here are essential guidelines for handling insurance matters following an accident:
Avoid Admitting Fault
Refrain from making statements that could be interpreted as acknowledging fault in the collision. Providing excessive details about the accident when speaking to the insurance company is also unwise since insurers are adept at tricking you into unintentionally implicating yourself as the party at fault.
Document the Accident and Your Injuries
You can never have too many photos or videos of your injuries and the accident scene. You likely won't need all of them, but your documentation can support your side of the story and strengthen your case for full compensation. If it's safe, take as many images and videos of the accident as possible, including your vehicle, other involved vehicles, the immediate surroundings, your injuries, and those of others involved. For injuries, periodically take photos to illustrate your recovery progress or lack thereof.
Seek Legal Counsel
One of the most effective ways to avoid making statements that could harm your car accident claim is to have an experienced attorney represent you. Attorneys who focus on car accidents -- such as those at our firm -- are well-versed in insurance company strategies and have developed effective countermeasures to maximize your claims. Insurance companies often discourage involving an attorney in the process and may even attempt to persuade you to talk to them before contacting a lawyer. However, you have every right to contact your chosen attorney before engaging with the insurance company after an accident.
Be Cautious With Recorded Statements
The insurance company may contact you and claim they need accurate accident details. They might request a recorded statement detailing the incident. In most cases, this tactic is designed to catch you saying something that can be used against you when you seek compensation. You are not legally obliged to provide a recorded statement, regardless of what the insurer says. You can always suggest that your attorney can provide the accident details on your behalf.
Do Not Sign Any Release for Your Medical Records
If you sustain injuries necessitating medical attention, the adjuster might approach you with a request to sign a medical release form. Resist the urge to sign, even if the adjuster insists it will expedite your insurance claim. It's crucial to consult with our car accident attorney first, before giving your consent.
These release forms often grant the adjuster access to your medical records related to the car accident as well as your entire medical history, regardless of its relevance to the incident.
This means the adjuster can delve into your medical background in search of any preexisting conditions. They could then contend that the car accident caused minimal harm, attributing most of your pain to the preexisting condition instead.
Exercise Caution With Quick Settlement Offers
Sometimes, insurance companies make quick settlement offers, often within just a day or two after the accident. While it may appear that you've achieved a quick victory, be cautious. These offers can sometimes be low-ball figures. The insurer aims to make you accept less than what you are genuinely entitled to before you fully understand the extent of your rightful compensation. It's advisable to have your attorney review any insurance settlement offer you receive.
Limit the Detail Regarding Your Injuries
Exercise caution if the insurer asks for specifics about the "nature" and "extent" of your injuries. If you omit details or your injuries worsen over time, the insurer may use your initial response to deny additional compensation. You don't have to provide an elaborate account of your injuries to the insurance company. You can inform them that you are still assessing your injuries and undergoing treatment, directing them to contact your attorney for more information.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help After a Car Accident
Navigating the legal complexities associated with such incidents can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and potential liability issues. This is where our experienced car accident attorneys play a crucial role. Here are ways we can help you after a car accident:
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection
A pivotal aspect of any car accident case is conducting a comprehensive investigation to establish liability. Our attorneys have access to a network of professionals, including accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and private investigators, who can help gather crucial evidence. This evidence may include photographs, witness statements, medical records, and other pertinent documentation.
Determining Liability and Establishing Fault
Identifying the party responsible for the accident is paramount in seeking compensation. Car accident attorneys employ their expertise to analyze the incident's circumstances, evaluate relevant laws, and determine liability. This ensures that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Engaging with insurance companies can be daunting for individuals without legal representation. Our car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand the tactics commonly employed by insurance adjusters to minimize payouts. They work tirelessly to secure fair settlements for their clients, taking into account medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other relevant damages.
Advocacy in Court
In cases where negotiations fail to yield satisfactory results, our car accident attorneys are prepared to take matters to court. Their extensive litigation experience enables them to present compelling cases before a judge and jury, ensuring their clients' rights are vigorously defended.
Maximizing Compensation
Our car accident attorneys are committed to helping clients receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to. They assess the full extent of damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs, to ensure that no aspect is overlooked.
Contact Goodman Acker Today
If you want legal representation you can rely on, call our office today at (248) 286-8100. We offer a free initial consultation.