Shortly after a car crash, you will almost always get a call from the other party’s insurance adjuster. They will likely tell you they are just gathering information regarding any possible auto insurance claims in relation to your recent crash. They will sound friendly and eager to help. Keep in mind insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and are looking for reasons and ways to minimize the amount they may have to pay you. It’s in your best interest to have your attorney talk to them. If you insist on talking to them, be very careful about what you say to this highly trained professional.
When an insurance adjuster calls, remain calm and polite. While you may be angry or stressed days after the crash it’s in your best interest to be as a cooperative and as reasonable as possible with the adjuster. Be certain you gather the adjuster’s name, contact details, and insurance company. Write these down so you can reach them in case you have concerns down the road. Stick to only the most basic facts. Providing only your name, contact information, location and date of the crash, and what car you were driving. It is your right to decline further details. You have the right to refuse to answer the adjuster’s questions or to consult with a car accident lawyer first.
Keep the call as brief and to the point as possible. Give only short answers and end the conversation after a few basic questions have been answered. Tell them you can’t discuss much on the phone and that you prefer to discuss further at a more appropriate time. Note the questions they ask along with your answers. It doesn’t have to be verbatim. Don’t agree to the call being recording under any circumstances. There is no law that requires a recording and it’s never in your best interest. Do not give more than basic details. Avoid giving a narrative of the car accident and even decline yes-or-no questions that pertain to how the crash happened. Do not tell the adjuster anything about your injuries. The reality is your injuries may be greater than you think.
Provide only the most basic facts and don’t give an opinion about who is at fault or why. Don’t lie or exaggerate any of the facts. Exaggeration may compromise any potential claim and could be grounds for serious legal trouble. Never agree to a written or verbal release allowing the insurance company to access your medical records. Should the claims process require this, your attorney will provide them the relevant documents.
Of course, don’t settle without speaking to a lawyer. The primary goal of an insurance adjuster is to get an early settlement. Their initial offer is often a “lowball” offer that may seem like a lot of money but in reality, is less that you may deserve to compensate you for your injuries. If you want advice about this, even if you don’t wish to retain our office, please call us and a licensed and experienced attorney will talk with you without cost or obligation!
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We would be honored to represent you!
