Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult at the best of times, but speaking to adjusters can be especially tough right after a car accident. Given the sudden influx of expenses that come with medical bills and repair costs, it’s easy to want quick solutions. However, it’s important to remember that adjusters do not always have your best interests in mind. Adjusters work for insurance companies, and those companies profit by refusing as much compensation as they can. At Thomas J. Ueberschaer, P.A., we can help you navigate your claim and advocate for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
What to Share with Insurance Adjusters
When speaking with insurance adjusters, one of the most important factors is knowing what to say and what not to say. When speaking to an adjuster, make sure to stick with the facts. The date of the accident, the time of the accident and the names of people involved in the accident are okay to share. It’s important to notify your insurer shortly after an accident to ensure that you receive all the benefits for which you have paid a premium.
What Not to Share with Insurance Adjusters
When speaking to an insurance adjuster, avoiding anything that could hurt your case is important. Do not admit fault regarding the accident. In fact, it is best to avoid any statements relevant to fault altogether before speaking to your attorney. Additionally, you should not tell them that you feel fine after an accident, as it can take several weeks for injuries to manifest themselves. This can be used against you. If you are asked how you are feeling, you can tell the adjuster that your attorney will send them your medical records when the time is right. Additionally, it is important to avoid speculative statements and not consent to adjusters recording your statement without speaking to your lawyer first.
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Ask Tom Today!Common Adjuster Tactics
Insurance adjusters work to make the case as unfavorable for you as possible. You can avoid some of their common tactics and tricks if you know what to look for. Quick settlement offers will almost always lowball the compensation you could potentially earn. Avoid agreeing to the initial offer without speaking to an attorney first. Additionally, they may ask for a recorded statement or a medical release. You may not have to consent to either—and you shouldn’t. A recorded statement that does not convey the damages suffered can be used against you, and your medical records should only be released to the insurer when they accurately show the damages suffered.
When to Let a Lawyer Speak for You
Ideally, a lawyer should speak for you in all interactions with an insurance adjuster outside of giving the adjuster the basic facts of the accident. Even when you know what statements to avoid, it is still best to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your case. A lawyer is especially important in complex cases with multiple drivers or high-stakes cases that could burden you with immense medical debt.
The Benefits of Legal Representation
Getting legal representation as soon as possible offers a significant advantage when speaking with insurance adjusters. They can help you draft prepared responses to common questions from adjusters. They will also help you understand your rights to know what you can refuse when talking to adjusters.
Contact Tom Before the Adjusters
By working with Thomas J. Ueberschaer, P.A., you can arm yourself with an advantage when dealing with insurance adjusters after an accident. Get in touch with our team today at 850.741.7381 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.