When you get into an auto accident in Florida, the insurance companies get involved right away. If the crash was due to another party’s negligence, the other party’s insurance adjuster will begin an investigation of your claim as soon as they are notified of the collision. They’ll assign an insurance adjuster to your case, who will ask you about how the collision occurred and the state of your injuries.
This is often where many victims of negligent driving lose their chance to claim compensation for their injuries before a case is even filed. Here’s what you should be careful about when talking to an insurance adjuster, how it impacts your claim, and why it’s best to let an experienced personal injury lawyer handle your case.
How Should I Deal With An Insurance Adjuster To Protect My Claim?
No matter how nice the insurance adjuster may seem, remember – their job is to preserve the insurance company’s bottom line. Here are some guidelines to dealing with an insurance adjuster:
1. They’re not your friend
It’s not personal, but the insurance adjuster is not on your side. Their job is to get information out of you to reduce or deny your claim – even if your claim is legitimate.
2. Never agree to a recorded statement without a lawyer
Adjusters will typically ask you to give a recorded statement right away. Any recorded or transcribed statement is designed to elicit responses that could later be used against you. Even if you think you’re being careful, it’s easy to say something you don’t really mean – especially if you’re fresh out of the hospital and medicated for your injuries. You do not have to consent to give a statement to settle your case, and it’s best to give any statements through your lawyer.
3. Watch out of negative comments
The insurance adjuster may make negative statements, which may be phrased as probing questions. They may ask if you think you may be partially at fault, or if you think your injuries aren’t very serious. For example, if you respond that you’re not sure whose fault it may have been, or that you’re not sure if you were at fault or not, this may be used to question your claim and how much compensation you can claim.
4. Limit details
Only give clear yes-no answers to obvious statements to confirm the location and time of the crash. Do not go into detail about your injuries, the accident, any prior medical history, or prior claims. The best option to preserve your claim is to communicate through an experienced auto accident lawyer, who will protect your best interests.
5. Don’t give into quick settlements
If the insurance adjuster immediately offers a settlement, chances are high that they are lowballing you. Typically this is a tactic used when injuries are serious and they want to settle the case for far less than necessary to make you whole again. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine the full value.
6. Avoid signing medical authorizations
Any blanket medical authorization you sign to the adjuster may allow the insurer to access all your medical records and use the information to argue against your settlement.
Contact An Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
The best way to protect your claim and get the full compensation you are entitled to for your injuries is to let an experienced car accident attorney handle all negotiations and communication with the insurance company. Call BCN Law Firm to consult with a trusted Florida personal injury lawyer today.