WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SPEAKING TO AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be stressful, even overwhelming. On top of all the fear that you’re feeling in the aftermath of the crash, you may receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster asking you about the accident and your injuries.
Fortunately, you do not have to deal with insurance companies alone. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you deal with insurers and take away all the stress and frustration that comes with the insurance claims process.
Our compassionate and results-driven attorneys at The Law Office of Steve Brannan represent clients in Odessa and throughout the state of Texas. We will not let insurance companies take advantage of your fragile physical and emotional state following your accident.
The Insurance Adjuster’s Role
When you file an insurance claim, the insurance company’s adjuster will reach out to you to ask for additional details about the accident and your injury. Answering questions, though, may be the last thing you want when trying to put the pieces of your life back together in the aftermath of a traumatic event.
In the United States, insurance companies employ nearly 350,000 insurance adjusters, examiners, appraisers, and investigators, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The role of an insurance adjuster is to inspect claims and determine how much the insurance company should pay you. However, it is critical to keep in mind that the adjuster works for the insurance company. The adjuster is not interested in helping you receive maximum compensation.
While speaking with an insurance adjuster may not seem like a big deal, it actually is. Before you answer the phone call, it is important to understand what you can and cannot say when speaking to an insurance adjuster. Many car accident victims tend to forget that insurance adjusters are not their friends.
Requests for a Statement
When an insurance adjuster contacts you, one of the first things they usually do is ask your permission to record the conversation with you. While the adjuster may attempt to convince you that your claim cannot move forward without your recorded statement, you have a right to refuse to provide a recorded statement.
There are several reasons you should refuse to give recorded statements to the insurance adjuster:
The insurance company will use your statements against you
The insurer will use anything you say to reduce compensation
The adjuster will most likely ask contradictory questions to create inconsistencies
If you decide to provide a statement to the insurance adjuster, there are several considerations to take to protect your right to compensation:
Let the adjuster know that you do not want your statement to be recorded
Do not admit guilt
If you do not know how to answer a question, do not answer
Do not volunteer any additional information
Stick to the facts and keep it brief
After several phone calls, the insurance adjuster may offer you an initial settlement offer and encourage you to accept it. However, do not sign anything before it is reviewed by your attorney. Usually, insurance companies offer unreasonable amounts to claimants before they understand the true extent of their injuries.
What Information Will They Ask Me to Provide?
When you receive a phone call from the insurance adjuster, the first thing you will be asked to provide is your personal information, including your name, address, and phone number. Then, the adjuster may ask you to provide details regarding the accident and your injury. As mentioned earlier, it is important to stick to the facts and avoid making any assumptions. Keep your conversations with the adjuster as brief as possible.
Let The Law Office of Steve Brannan Help
At The Law Office of Steve Brannan, our skilled personal injury attorney will serve as your advocate after the accident. Our team understands the insurance claims process and knows how to communicate with insurance adjusters. Consider consulting with our personal injury lawyer in Odessa before speaking to an insurance adjuster. We’re proud to serve clients in Andrews, Pecos, Big Spring, Midland, and throughout communities in West Texas.