In the aftermath of a car accident, it can be easy to forget what exactly to do next. Of course, you’re going to want to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene, so that when you report the accident to your insurance company later, you have tangible proof to share. In the days after the accident, an insurance adjuster is going to reach out to you and ask about what happened. Keep in mind that what you say to this person can affect how your claim is handled from there on out.
An insurance adjuster may come off as someone who is concerned for your health and wellbeing, but it’s actually the contrary. Be mindful of what you say and consider refusing a recorded statement until you can speak with a lawyer. As a car accident lawyer from Cashio Injury Attorneys would advise, here are reasons why you need to be wary when speaking with an insurance adjuster about your car accident claim:
They Want To Reduce Your Claim
Even the most friendly insurance adjuster is still not going to be someone who’s on your side. They are there to try and reduce or outright deny your claim. They will do this by attempting to get you to say certain statements during the conversation that can be then misconstrued into meaning that you are not as injured as you claim to be. Insurance adjusters do not have your best interest in mind, and they will not hesitate to reduce how much you receive in compensation.
They Are For-Profit
An insurance adjuster is only prioritizing one party, and that is the insurance company that they work for. The more that they can reduce your claim, the less they will have to pay out in restitution to you. Remember, an insurance company is still for-profit, so they would rather save on their end than pay a victim fairly. Despite an insurance company making people feel like they are there during bad times, it is not uncommon for victims to learn otherwise when they need help the most.
They Know The Claim Value
An insurance adjuster knows the true value of your claim. And you can bet that their first settlement offer is going to be only a fraction of what a car accident victim deserves. If during the first conversation the adjuster makes an offer that seems so low but it doesn’t make sense, it’s probably just a negotiation tactic to see if you’re willing to accept less. Victims of car accidents may get taken advantage of because they just don’t know what their situation is worth financially. A victim may be trying to recover from injuries, not have the energy to negotiate, and may be in need of money so badly that they accept the offer without question.
Before accepting a settlement offer, consider your options in negotiating. As stated above, insurance companies and their adjusters are only focused on their own pocketbook, and not necessarily the victim’s predicament.