Five Tips for Speaking with an Insurance Adjuster After an Accident

 Posted on August 30, 2022 in Car Accident

The job of an insurance adjuster is to ensure the company pays out the least amount of money in any given case. After all, insurance companies are private for-profit entities, and large payouts can undermine their bottom line. It is important to remember this because insurance adjusters are often trained to be polite, friendly, and to sound concerned and even apologetic. They are skilled conversationalists who are trying to spur an informal discussion in which you might reveal information that could be helpful to their company. No matter how nice the adjuster seems, be wary of their approach and follow these tips when they call after a Texas car accident, truck accident, or any other case involving a personal injury. 

Do Not Give Recorded Statements

An insurance adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement or ask to record the conversation. You do not have to agree to have the conversation recorded, even if they state that the call is already being recorded. Simply say you do not consent to the call being recorded and end the conversation if necessary. 

Get the Information of the Person Who Calls You

Before discussing any information about the case, get the information of the person calling you. This includes their name, the company they’re calling from, the name of the other party the company insures, and the adjuster’s contact information. This way, you can keep track of the conversation more easily and give your attorney the information they need to contact this person again if necessary. 

Give the Least Amount of Your Information Possible

You only need to give the insurance adjuster the most basic information about you - your name, phone number, address, and birth date. Do not share information about how much money you make, whether you think you were injured in the accident, or anything else. Even if the insurance company asks for this information, you are not obligated to give it. 

Do Not Discuss the Accident

While you may need to give the most basic information about the accident, do not discuss anything else. Give only the date and time, make and model of vehicles involved in the accident, and contact information for any witnesses. Do not speculate as to how the accident happened or give a “statement” containing your version of events. Let your lawyer handle this part of your personal injury case. 

Do Not Settle

If the insurance adjuster knows their client is likely to be held at fault for an accident, they may want to offer a settlement right away. You may be tempted to take the settlement and get the case over with. However, adjusters are trying to save their business money - they are merely offering the minimum amount they think they can get away with and you may be shortchanging yourself by accepting the first offer. 

Call a Dallas, Texas Personal Injury Lawyer

The things you say to an insurance adjuster can have a major impact on the outcome of your case. For help understanding the best approach to take after an accident in which you were injured, call the experienced Fort Worth personal injury attorneys with Clark Law Group. We offer comprehensive consultations so you can get personalized legal advice and begin working towards a favorable result in your case. 

Source: 

https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/working-with-adjuster.html