Wondering What to Tell the At-Fault Party’s Insurance company?
As personal injury attorneys, we deal with insurance adjusters regularly. We understand that adjusters work hard to get you to settle for as little compensation as possible. Some of their tactics involve offering quick compensation if you agree to a small settlement, trying to get you to accept some degree of responsibility for the accident, and trying to downplay the extent of your injuries. With adversaries like this, it is important to remain on-guard when you communicate with the other insurance company.
Below is a list of information you should, and should not, disclose with speaking with the insurance adjuster. If you are unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep information private. Your personal injury attorney can help you if you have specific questions. Remember to remain calm and note the name and contact information of anyone that contacts you.
Personal Information
You may share your name, address, and telephone numbers with the insurance adjuster. You can also disclose your employer and your title. Do not disclose your job duties, income, or schedule.
Injuries and Medical Information
Do not disclose any information about your injuries, medical treatments, and current or past medical conditions. Although the insurance adjuster may pressure you for this information, you may leave out essential information or, if the adjuster calls shortly after the accident, you may not yet be aware of the extent of your injuries.
Accident Details
You may be eager to share details of the accident, especially if the other party is at fault. At this point, however, you should keep this information between you and your retained lawyer. It is acceptable to share the contact information of the police officer and any witnesses, the location and time of the accident, and your insurance information.
SHOULD I ACCEPT A SETTLEMENT OFFER?
Do Not Accept a Settlement, No Matter How Tempting!
Remember, the insurance adjuster’s job is to get you to settle for as little as possible. Any initial offer they present will be a low-ball offer. If you have medical bills or other expenses, it may be tempting to accept their offer in order to get quick money, but resist the urge. Especially early on, you may not know the full extent of your injuries, medical bills, or time off work. An experienced attorney will be able to tell you very quickly how best to proceed with your case.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
If the insurance adjuster asks you to give a recorded statement, politely refuse. Such statements cause people to tense up, and you may leave out critical information.
If you have been injured in an accident, our experienced lawyers can help you through the sometimes complicated settlement process. At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott and Associates, we recognize that injuries incurred in an accident, medical bills, and lost pay can be stressful. That’s why we work hard on your behalf to help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys today for a free consultation at (850) 695-8331.