If you are involved in a car accident, there is a high chance you will be contacted by an insurance adjuster – either from your company or that of the driver that hit you.
The safest way to proceed here is to never actually talk to an insurance adjuster alone. Not on the phone, in person, or even if they say the talk is unofficial or “off the record”. Politely refuse any invitation to talk and refer them to your St. Louis car accident lawyer instead. While it is best to avoid speaking with them at all, here are four things you especially should never discuss with an insurance adjuster.
1. Details about the Accident
The insurance adjuster will ask you about what happened to try and see what your role was in the accident. It’s important to never give them the details, as they could use them against you.
You may think a comment like “it came out of nowhere” is innocent, but it could tell the insurance adjuster you may not have been paying attention to the road at the moment of the collision.
2. Any Admission You Were Doing Something Wrong
If you were speeding, on the phone, looking for something on the floor of the vehicle – this is not information that the insurance adjuster needs to know. Discuss them only with your lawyer.
3. Agreeing to Sign a Document
Never agree to sign anything unless your attorney tells you it’s okay. Adjusters may want to get access to your medical information, which they can only access if you give your permission. They will tell you it’s the fastest way to get to your settlement, but you don’t know what information from your medical record they might use to lower the amount or deny the claim.
They already have some of your medical information relevant to the accident, anything else is not a requirement by law.
4. What Your Damages Are Worth
It’s very unlikely you know how much compensation you are entitled to. The amount is calculated based on the medical costs (present and future) damages, and time missed from work, so there’s a lot of estimating going on.
If the insurance adjuster asks how much do you think the claim is worth, don’t answer it. Any number you give will then hurt you with the settlement negotiations if your lawyer is going for a higher amount. The insurance adjuster can say they had a verbal agreement with you for less.
Get Legal Help ASAP!
It can be difficult to know what to say to the insurance adjuster but don’t worry. Your St. Louis car accident attorney will prepare you and be present for any depositions. Ensure your legal rights are protected right from the start of your claim by getting in touch with an experienced attorney as soon as possible!
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!