Getting Better Outcomes From An Insurance Adjuster
Michael Babboni
Insurance Coverage
When you’re involved in an accident, it can be one of the most traumatic experiences that you go through. But while making your physical recovery should always be your first and primary focus, you’ll also have to pay attention to the financial side of things.And while some may assume that they’ll have to fight tooth and nail to get in contact with an insurance representative, the opposite is often the truth instead.
It’s likely that you’ll be getting calls from the driver who caused the accident’s insurance company before you even make it out of the hospital on the first day. Your initial point of contact will almost always be with an insurance adjuster, who will be in charge of determining what you’re owed and settle your claim.
But there are many reasons that it’s important to be careful here – the main one being the simple fact that those insurance adjusters will usually do all they can to avoid paying you out more than they have to. Here are a few things that you should do when interacting with an insurance adjuster to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.
Don’t Apologize Or Admit Fault
When you admit fault or apologize, you essentially give the insurance company the first stages of proof that they need to say that their client doesn’t owe you a dime since the accident was your fault. Even if your accident was clearly caused by the other person, when you say you’re sorry you’ll be saying that you’re to blame.
Keep Records Of Everything
paper trail is one of the most important things you can have during a personal injury lawsuit. Keeping track of all of your information is important – from witness names to accident reports to a log of all the days that you miss away from work, keeping records is an absolute must for anyone injured in an accident – and can help you show that you’re owed restitution.
Don’t Give Personal Contact Info
You have no legal obligation to provide the insurance adjuster with personal information such as contact info for yourself or for your family. Instead, direct them to talk to your personal injury attorney when they have any questions or issues that need to be addressed.
Don’t Say You’re Fine
Just as saying you’re sorry can provide a big foundation for the other side to build a case against you, saying that you’re fine could be enough for them to try to prove that you aren’t really injured. It’s often human nature to say ‘I’m fine’ in order to assure others, but doing so, in this case, can be a big issue.
Don’t Agree To A Settlement
Above all else, it’s vital that you don’t accept a settlement offer that the other side gives to you. Instead, let your attorney review the offer first. The reason? Most settlement offers begin far lower than you’re really owed – that initial settlement offer is usually just a ploy to try to avoid paying out more than they have to.
Getting The Best Results
The bottom line here is simple – if you’re hurt in an accident, it’s important not to let the insurance companies take advantage of you. And the best way to do that is to contact a personal injury attorney after your accident and let them stand up to the other side for you.