In the moments after a car accident, there are likely a lot of things you are more worried about than talking to an insurance adjuster. For instance, you may be managing injuries, documenting damage to your vehicle, or gathering witness information.
Eventually, you will likely need to speak with an insurance adjuster before your claim can be processed. Below, we have shared a few tips to help you protect your rights when you talk to the adjuster.
What Is An Insurance Adjuster?
Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies. Their main job is to investigate claims and figure out how much the company should pay for damages.
While they may seem friendly and helpful, it is important to remember that they are not really on your side. Their goal is to save the company money, which often means minimizing your payout. Adjusters gather details about the accident, including what happened, who might be at fault, and how much it might cost to fix the damage or cover medical bills. They might also ask for statements, photos, or other evidence.
Insurance Adjusters vs. Public Adjusters
Note that insurance adjusters are not public adjusters. Public adjusters work for you, the policyholder, during the insurance claims process.
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company to decide how much money to pay out for an accident. Public adjusters, however, are not lawyers. They cannot work to get you additional compensation for your accident, like pain and suffering damages.
What Should You Do After A Car Accident?
Taking the right steps after a car accident can make handling insurance adjusters much easier later. Every accident is unique, but in general, there are a few steps that you can take to prepare yourself for a conversation with an insurance adjuster.
These include the following:
• Make Sure You Are Safe: Check that everyone involved is safe and call emergency services if you need them.
• Call The Police: A police report can provide an unbiased account of the accident.
• Document The Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Collect Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s).
• Get Witness Details: If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
• Notify Your Insurer: Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible.
Dos And Don'ts When Communicating With Insurance Adjusters
Navigating a car accident can already feel overwhelming, but many insurance adjusters won’t wait until you have had time to clear your head. When they call, keep some simple dos and don’ts in mind to help you avoid common mistakes.
What To Do When Communicating With Insurance Adjusters:
• Refer the adjuster to your attorney if you have hired one.
• Stay polite and professional, even if the adjuster seems difficult.
• Provide only basic facts about the accident, such as the date, location, and involved vehicles.
• Keep notes of every conversation, including who you spoke with and what was discussed.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
What Not To Do When Communicating With Insurance Adjusters:
• Admit fault or speculate about how the accident happened.
• Agree to a recorded statement without legal advice.
• Sign documents like medical releases without reviewing them carefully.
• Discuss your injuries or treatment plans in detail.
• Rush to accept a settlement offer without knowing if it covers all your damages.
How Can You Protect Your Rights?
To better protect yourself during the claims process, keep detailed records of all interactions with the insurance adjuster. This includes writing down the date, time, and content of your conversations.
Save receipts for accident-related expenses, such as medical bills and vehicle repairs. Be wary of adjusters who pressure you into accepting a quick settlement, as these offers often undervalue your claim.
Before signing anything, especially medical release forms, consult with an attorney to make sure you’re not waiving important rights. Finally, focus on facts and avoid sharing unnecessary details that could be misinterpreted to reduce your compensation.
What To Expect From An Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters often use strategies to reduce the amount their company has to pay. They might question your version of the accident or suggest you were partially at fault.
Adjusters may downplay your injuries by asking for medical records or claiming they are unrelated to the accident. Some might pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer quickly, hoping you will take it before realizing the full extent of your damages.
Stay on the lookout for leading questions or requests for a recorded statement. Staying calm, sticking to facts, and consulting an attorney can help you handle these tactics effectively.
Do You Need A Lawyer To Speak With An Insurance Adjuster?
Having a personal injury attorney on your side can make a big difference. Attorneys understand the tactics adjusters use and know how to negotiate fair settlements. They handle communication with the adjuster, gather evidence to support your claim, and check that all paperwork is in order.
If your case becomes complicated, such as disputes over liability or severe injuries, it is even more important to work with an experienced attorney. They can work to protect your rights, so you can focus on recovering. They can also guide you if the case needs to go to court, making sure you are fully prepared every step of the way.
Wrapping Up: Car Accidents And Insurance Adjusters
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident can feel overwhelming, but understanding their job and staying prepared can help protect your rights. Approach these interactions with caution — stick to facts and avoid sharing unnecessary details.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Getting a professional perspective from a personal injury attorney (such as the attorneys at Cohen, Feely, Altemose & Rambo) can help make sure you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve.