It can be hard to deal with the aftermath of an accident. When an insurance adjuster calls, it is easy to feel rushed because you already have to deal with injuries, repairs, and a lot of paperwork.
But before you go into a long account of what happened, it is important to know what an adjuster does and what your rights are as a customer. Quinn Law Group, LLC can help you if you have been in an accident and need a lawyer.
Insurance adjusters are not always on your side.
Insurance companies try to pay out as little as possible. Adjusters are taught to negotiate and gather information that could be used to lower your claim.
The fact that they seem nice should not affect your decision. They might ask you leading questions to trip you up, change the meaning of what you say, or play down how bad things are.
The pitfalls of talking to an adjuster without preparation.
- You may unknowingly admit fault.
In the aftermath of an accident, emotions can make it hard to make good decisions, which could lead to wrong assumptions about who was at fault. Adjusters are taught to ask leading questions that can get people to say things that can be used against them.
For example, if the person was going too fast at the time of the crash, a simple “yes” could mean that speed played a part in the accident.
- They will try to minimize your injuries.
It is important to get checked out right away after an accident because the pain and shock of the accident can make injuries look less serious than they really are.
Also, not figuring out the full effects of injuries like whiplash or concussions can make it harder to get compensation for future medical bills and lost pay since the effects of injuries might not show up right away.
- You might end up oversharing details.
If you tell the adjuster things they do not need to know about an accident, they may be able to use them against you, like saying you were driving recklessly.
Also, saying things that are not true can hurt your trustworthiness and weaken your case since the more you talk, the more likely it is that you will say something that is not true.
The power of silence and seeking legal counsel.
You can not stay away from the adjuster completely, but you can protect your rights by keeping your answers short and to the point. Here are some tips.
- Keep your responses brief and factual.
Give only the most basic information about an accident, like the date, time, place, and people who were involved. Do not speculate what happened or try to find someone to blame. Instead, tell the insurer how you are involved and send them to your lawyer.
- Consult with an attorney.
An attorney can give you expert advice, help you negotiate with insurance companies, and gather proof for your claim. They know how to talk to insurance companies and can help you get a fair payment. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can give you peace of mind during a tough time.
You can protect your rights and lower the risk of damaging remarks by keeping a polite tone and answering briefly and truthfully. It is very important to talk to a lawyer to make sure your rights are protected and that you get fair pay for your losses and injuries.
Releated: Car Accident
Make the right choice.
Following an accident, put your health first and concentrate on getting better. You are in charge of the situation and can make sure that the outcome is equitable by politely refusing to talk about details with the adjuster and talking to a lawyer. Remember that when you are talking to an insurance company, silence can really be golden.
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