Knowing what insurance claim adjusters look for in police reports will ease your mind and help you prepare for your case more effectively.
You may understand that insurance claim adjusters review police reports after car accidents. However, you may be wondering what exactly do they look for?
Knowing what insurance claim adjusters look for in police reports will ease your mind and help you prepare for your case more effectively.
1. Admissions of Fault
The first thing claim adjusters look for in police reports is verbal admissions of fault. Although rare, sometimes, the at-fault driver explicitly admits that they were the one at fault. This saves insurance companies the trouble of having to determine fault through investigation.
In some cases, the at-fault driver doesn’t have to admit fault directly. Admitting an illegal maneuver or saying something like “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of fault.
2. Details About the Parties Involved
Claim adjusters will also look into all the parties and witnesses involved, especially when no driver willingly admits fault. This includes the information on the other drivers and pedestrians, if applicable. It also includes the drivers’ past driving history to check if either has had previous accidents and traffic violations in the past. Witness accounts also help the adjuster get a clear picture of what happened during the accident.
3. Traffic Citations Either Driver Received
The other thing that adjusters look for is the traffic citations that the drivers received. Although traffic citations are not cut-and-dried evidence, they can be used to help prove who may have been at fault. Citations also help with the division of liability, highlighting who contributed more to the accident and resulting damages. Some common citations include tailgating, drunk driving, running a stop sign, and distracted driving.
4. Basic Facts About the Accident
The claim adjuster will also review the basic facts in the police report to see if they match with the information in your claim. Any mistakes or inaccuracies in your claim could be used as a reason to deny you fair compensation. It’s, therefore, essential to ensure you get your facts right when filing your injury claim.
Do Not Talk to an Adjuster Without an Attorney Present
When reviewing the police report, the adjuster’s number one goal is to find something that could be used to deny or devalue your claim. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced car accident injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you counter any defense the insurance company or their adjuster may use against you and help you gather evidence to build a successful case. Of course, your attorney will also do everything in their power to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
If you’re having trouble dealing with the insurance claim adjuster, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm. We have a long track record of success and 25 years of experience protecting the rights of car accident victims in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!