Dealing with an insurance company following a vehicle collision can be a source of stress, especially when the adjuster’s aim is to downplay the value of your claim. As an individual who has suffered harm in the accident, it is crucial to exercise caution while providing information and seek the guidance of a legal professional who specializes in personal injury cases. This article offers useful guidelines for handling questions from an insurance company to safeguard the worth of your claim.
What Should I Do When Contacted by an Insurance Company? It is not mandatory to engage in conversation with the other driver’s insurance company if they reach out to you. Instead, you can direct them to your legal representative.
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If you do choose to communicate with the insurance company, it is essential to proceed with caution. The insurance company’s objective is to minimize the value of your claim. The adjuster’s role is not to protect your interests or offer a fair settlement; they are likely seeking information that can be used against you.
Guidelines for Responding to Questions from an Insurance Company
- Refrain from discussing your injuries: Notify the adjuster that you are currently receiving medical treatment or that your attorney will provide updates when necessary.
- Only answer the specific questions asked: Avoid volunteering unnecessary information.
- Decline to provide a recorded statement: A recorded statement can be used against you and may not provide a complete account of the accident or your injuries.
- Stick to the facts: Refrain from offering personal opinions.
- Document the adjuster’s name and contact details for future reference.
- Avoid guessing answers: If you are unsure about a particular question, it is best to state that you do not know.
- Make notes during the conversation: Keep a record of the questions asked and the answers you provide.
- Be honest: Do not fabricate or exaggerate details.
Tactics Employed by Insurers to Diminish Your Claim’s Value Insurance adjusters may utilize various strategies in an attempt to reduce the value of your claim, including:
- Requesting a recorded statement: The adjuster may claim that a recorded statement expedites the process, but it can be used against you. Later evidence might contradict your statement, harming your credibility. Moreover, a recorded statement often fails to provide a comprehensive account of the accident and your injuries, limiting the value of your claim.
- Urging you to sign a medical release authorization: The adjuster might persuade you to sign a medical release form, granting access to your medical records. However, the document you sign could allow the release of irrelevant medical records. The insurance company can then use this information to deny your claim based on a preexisting condition.
- Discouraging you from consulting a lawyer: The adjuster may attempt to dissuade you from seeking legal counsel and insist that a lawyer is unnecessary.
Nevertheless, hiring a personal injury lawyer offers numerous benefits, and individuals who engage legal representation often receive greater compensation than those who do not.
