After being involved in a motor vehicle accident, one of the first calls you will receive will be from the insurance adjuster that represents the other party. This call will likely take place very soon after the accident and you might still be in shock and trying to figure out what your next steps will be. While the insurance adjuster might seem like he or she is trying to help and look out for you, it is important to remember that the only interest of the adjuster is to save the insurance company money by denying you compensation. The best way to avoid this from happening is to choose your words carefully and to understand what not to say.
To help you protect your personal injury claim, we have compiled a list of things you should avoid saying to the insurance adjuster:
- Guesses or opinions: It is crucial to always stick to the facts whenever you speak to the insurance adjuster. If you do not know the answer to a question you are being asked, then simply decline to answer it. In fact, it is generally best to only answer basic questions, such as where the accident occurred, when it occurred, and the names of the people involved.
- Apologizing or admitting fault: Keep in mind that anything you say to the insurance adjuster can be used against you, so if you start apologizing for the accident or admit fault for it, you can bet it will derail your chances of obtaining compensation. Never apologize for anything when speaking to the adjuster and, even if you believe you were at fault, never admit to it. At this stage, you do not know all of the facts yet, so let everyone do their jobs and investigate the cause of the accident rather than trying to claim responsibility for it.
- Stating that you are not hurt: Not all injuries produce symptoms immediately. Some can take hours, days, or even weeks. That is why it is crucial to avoid stating anything regarding whether or not you are injured. You will have a chance to discuss your injuries when you and your personal injury attorney draft your demand letter. In the meantime, do not claim you are uninjured and do not agree to sign a medical release. It is far too early on in the process for you to share any information about your injuries.
- Recorded statements: The insurance adjuster will undoubtedly ask you to provide a recorded statement and he or she might make it seem as though you are obligated to provide it. However, you are not, so politely refuse to oblige this request. It is never in your best interest to provide a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster.
To ensure you do not make any unnecessary mistakes regarding your dealings with the insurance adjuster, make sure you always consult with your personal injury attorney before making any decisions or statements that could potentially affect your case.
Car Accident Attorney in Kirkland
If you were recently injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is imperative that you hire a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure you obtain the fair and just compensation to which you are entitled. At Kornfeld Law in Kirkland, our car accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured and will do what is necessary to ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
Get started on your car accident case today and contact our law firm at (425) 657-5255 to request your free initial case evaluation with a knowledgeable attorney. If we cannot win your case, you will not owe us any legal fees.