CHICAGO, IL – After a car accident, it can be hard to know exactly what happened, especially if you were injured. Documenting the scene of a car accident may not be the first thing on your mind; however, you should document everything you’re able to when dealing with an insurance adjuster.
A few days after the accident, insurance adjusters typically call to get details of the car accident. Be cautious of what you say – you’d be surprised what insurance adjusters can and will hold over you.
Understand the Insurance Adjusters Role
It’s important to understand the adjusters role. Insurance adjusters have a few main responsibilities including:
- Prevent insurance fraud.
- Settle claims for a low amount.
- Settle claims quickly.
Many insurance adjusters don’t have a background in medical or legal training. With a knowledgable car accident and personal injury attorney, you will have a leg up against the insurance company.
Before you say anything, ask the adjuster for their full name, where they work, and what their role is. Make sure to document this so you can go back to reference it whenever necessary. Keep the conversation to a minimum after finding out this information.
Avoid Giving Details of the Car Accident or Injury
It’s natural to be in shock after an accident, sometimes being shaken up for days after. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters take advantage of this.
Do not make any guesses as to what happened. It’s important to never admit partial liability.
Speak to a lawyer before speaking to an insurance adjuster. Your legal counsel will be able to advise you how to handle the conversation and what you should and should not say.
After you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may not realize you’re injured until after you’ve sought out medical treatment. The official medical report may come back that you’re injures are more catastrophic than what doctors originally thought.
For this reason, keep the details of your injury to a minimum when speaking to adjusters. Tell the adjuster that your attorney will write a written report of your injuries and speak to them on your behalf.
Do Not Sign Anything or Give a Sworn Statement
After an accident, you may apologize for things that are not your fault. Unfortunately, adjusters can use this against you and make you look like you are somehow at fault or partially liable.
To avoid this, it’s best to send a written statement with your lawyer and only give them necessary evidence.
Don’t Settle on the First Offer
Most insurance adjusters have a specific amount allocated amount of money for your claim. They will typically low ball you an offer to see if you accept a settlement for much less.
A quick, low stress settlement may seem like a good deal; however, this is why you should hire an experienced attorney who will handle this and take a little stress off your shoulders while recovering from an injury.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Chicago
In short, don’t ever admit fault or apologize because insurance adjusters can and will hold this against you. The best policy is to contact an personal injury attorney who has experience negotiating with insurance companies and adjusters. Contact the Dinizulu Law Group today for a free, no obligation consultation at (312) 384-1920.
