After a car accident, you may receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster sooner than you expect. The adjuster may sound friendly and simply ask you to explain what happened, provide information about your injuries, or answer a few questions.
While these requests may seem routine, what you say to an insurance company can potentially affect your personal injury claim. Before giving a detailed statement or agreeing to a settlement, it’s important to understand the adjuster’s role and how to protect your interests.
Remember Who the Insurance Adjuster Works For
An insurance adjuster investigates claims on behalf of an insurance company. Their job may include reviewing accident reports, speaking with drivers and witnesses, examining medical information, evaluating vehicle damage, and determining what the insurer may be required to pay.
Even if an adjuster is polite and helpful, remember that the adjuster represents the insurance company’s interests.
You should be careful about providing unnecessary information or making assumptions about the accident before all of the facts are known.
Don’t Guess About What Happened
An adjuster may ask detailed questions about how the accident occurred. If you aren’t certain about something, don’t guess.
Statements such as “I think I was going about 40 mph” or “Maybe I didn’t see the other vehicle right away” could potentially be interpreted differently than you intended.
Stick to facts you know are accurate. Avoid speculating about speed, distance, fault, or what another driver may have been doing.
Be Careful When Discussing Your Injuries
Immediately after an accident, you may not know the full extent of your injuries. Some symptoms can become more noticeable hours or days later.
Telling an adjuster that you’re “fine” because you’re trying to be polite could later create complications if you require additional medical treatment.
You don’t need to exaggerate your condition, but you also shouldn’t minimize it. If you’re still being evaluated or receiving treatment, you can simply explain that your medical condition is still being assessed.
Do You Have to Give a Recorded Statement?
An insurance adjuster may ask permission to record your conversation or schedule a recorded statement.
Whether you are required to cooperate can depend on which insurance company is contacting you and the terms of any applicable insurance policy. There is an important difference between dealing with your own insurer and the insurance company representing the other driver.
Before providing a recorded statement to another driver’s insurance company, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney.
Don’t Rush Into a Settlement
In some cases, an insurance company may offer a settlement relatively quickly after an accident.
Receiving money quickly can sound appealing, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and missed time from work. However, an early settlement may occur before you understand the full extent of your injuries or future expenses.
Once you sign a settlement and release, you generally cannot return later and request additional compensation because your injuries turned out to be more serious than expected.
Make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to before accepting an offer or signing documents.
Keep Records of Your Communications
Keep track of your conversations with insurance companies after an accident. Write down the adjuster’s name, insurance company, phone number, claim number, and the date of each conversation.
You should also keep copies of emails, letters, medical bills, repair estimates, accident reports, photographs, and other documents related to your claim.
Having organized records can make it easier to understand what has happened throughout the claims process.
When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?
Not every insurance call requires an attorney. However, getting legal advice may be especially important when you’ve suffered significant injuries, liability is disputed, multiple parties are involved, or an insurance company is pressuring you to provide a statement or accept a settlement.
A personal injury attorney can communicate with the insurance company, gather evidence related to the accident, review your medical expenses and other losses, and help determine whether a settlement offer fairly reflects your damages.
Injured in an Accident? Know Your Rights Before Talking to the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters handle accident claims every day. For an injured person, however, this may be the first time you’ve had to deal with an insurance company while also recovering from an accident.
You don’t have to make important decisions about your claim without understanding your options.
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, the attorneys at Kujawski & Associates can help you understand your rights and determine your next steps. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Clair County can help you protect your interests before making statements, signing documents, or accepting a settlement from an insurance company.
