When talking to an insurance adjuster, be careful.
An auto insurance adjuster will likely be among the key people you encounter after a car accident. When you are the victim of an accident, you may be inclined to seek out someone friendly and compassionate to help you and guide you through a difficult time. It is vital that you do not overlook an important fact—the insurance adjuster is not on your side. You must remember that, however trustworthy your insurance adjuster might seem, he or she is not looking out for you, nor does he or she have your best interest at heart.
An insurance adjuster is just doing his job.
Although there are risks in confiding in and warming up to an insurance adjuster, don’t assume they are bad people. This caution is not because he or she is a bad person, but because they have a job to do and they are loyal employees of the insurance company. They are hired to serve the insurance company. Everyone wants to succeed at their job, and an insurance adjuster is no different. The adjusters’ job is to save as much money as possible for their employer—the insurance company. This means that the adjuster’s goal is to pay out as little as possible to settle your claim and by doing so, save their employer, the insurance company, money. Consequently, the insurance adjuster’s questions to you will not be about you, but rather about how to best serve their employer.
Do Not Speak with the Defendant’s Insurance Adjuster
You should exercise even more caution when it comes to the insurance adjuster serving the other party. This adjuster is even less inclined to serve you, and may resort to presenting themselves as “kind” and “concerned,” all as a means to undermine your claim. The “kind” and “concerned” insurance adjuster could be manipulating you, while gathering information to defeat or minimize your injury claim. Do not be fooled. You should only speak with the adjuster for the limited purpose of setting up a claim. You do not need to give a recorded statement and I strongly advise against you doing so. It should be enough to give them your contact info and to tell them that you have been involved in an accident with their insured and that they are at fault. Let them conduct their own investigation, speak with their insured and get the police report. If they insist on getting your version of the story, let them know that you are willing to do so after speaking with an attorney.If you’re looking to share your story, to confide in a compassionate and caring individual, seek out the assistance of a reputable personal injury attorney. When it comes to finding the right personal injury attorney, get referrals, check out online reviews, ask around. Find someone who has a reputation for care, competency, and a track record of success.In most cases, personal injury attorneys will offer a free initial consultation and will advise you upfront at no cost. Should you need to file a claim or initiate a lawsuit, you’ll likely want to retain legal counsel to ensure you’ve got someone on your side who knows how to deal with insurance adjusters and the insurance company at large.Talk to an attorney before calling the insurance company. And when you do talk to the adjusters – remember – they are not your friend.
