If you have recently been involved in an accident, you may receive a call from an insurance adjuster several days after the collision. If this has just happened to you, read on to find out why you should get legal representation before saying anything to the adjuster.
The reason is simple: an insurance adjuster does not work for you. They work for the insurance company, and they aim to protect the interests of their employer and not yours. If you have ever heard the phrase that “anything you say can and will be used against you,” now is the time to keep those words in mind.
What is the role of an insurance adjuster?
When you answer the phone, your first thought might be that the insurance adjuster is calling to see how you have been doing since the accident, and maybe they want to confirm that you are taking care of your health and have not skipped any medical appointments.
In actuality, the real reason for the call is to verify that you are not committing insurance fraud, that you are not lying about what happened, and finally, to give you a lowball offer for your injuries and losses and hope you will settle quickly for this low amount.
As soon as they identify themselves on the phone, you should keep quiet and listen to what they have to say. You will rapidly discover the purpose of the call.
Things to NEVER Say to an Insurance Adjuster
Don’t Speculate on What Happened
If you start speaking as soon as you get the call, the insurance adjuster will be very interested in hearing about the unsettling experience you have just endured. They will happily let you speculate about what happened and who was at fault. To you, this may sound like an innocent conversation while they may be taking notes on anything you say.
Don’t Give Them Any Medical Information
If the adjuster asks you how you feel, the temptation is to answer “fine.” This may seem like plain courtesy, or perhaps because you still feel the rush of adrenaline from the crash. The adjuster may then suggest that you should forgo medical treatment since you seem to be fine and make you a lowball offer that you might feel pressured to accept.
Refuse to do either of those things, and let them know in no uncertain terms that your attorney will be contacting them with a written summary of your injuries. Don’t send them your entire medical history since they may dig up something from your past and claim that you are suffering now because of an old condition.
Don’t Make a Statement
The insurance adjuster may ask you to record a statement; kindly decline. Remind them that your lawyer will be reaching out to them soon with your account and that all evidence will be attached to the statement.
If you allow yourself to fall for their pressure or because you want to get this over with as soon as possible and avoid any further stress, you may accept a low offer that may be insufficient to cover your injuries and losses. Take the time to talk to your lawyer and have them do the negotiating for you.
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