If you have been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you will likely be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and their primary goal is to minimize claims. If you want to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damage, you should be careful about when speaking to an insurance adjuster.
Statements Not to Make
Following are four types of statements you should avoid making to an insurance adjuster:
- In My Opinion and I Think Statements. Don’t guess or estimate anything. If you do not know the answer to a question, it is best to say nothing—only state the facts. An adjuster may ask you several things, in several different ways, and the answers to these questions can later be used to prevent you from getting the maximum from your claim.
- It Was My Fault and I’m Sorry Statements. What you say can be used against you. These kinds of statements should not be made to your insurance adjuster, a police officer, or another driver. Do not apologize for anything. If you apologize, it can be interpreted as admitting fault. Do not admit fault, even if you feel you are at fault. The other driver may have caused the accident or have just as much responsibility for it as you do.
- I’m Not Hurt Statements. Some injuries may not show up right away. You may not have any visible injuries, but that does not mean you are fine. Sometimes, the adrenalin from the initial shock prevents you from feeling the pain you end up feeling the next day. When you feel pain, you need to go to the doctor and have it documented. It is also important to avoid signing a medical release without speaking to an experienced car accident attorney.
- Recorded Statements. What you say to an insurance adjuster can be taken out of context. You have no obligation to give a recorded statement.
What You Need to Know About the Value of Your Claim
An insurance company will take your claim more seriously if you have an experienced lawyer on your side. An attorney will be able to calculate the value of your claim, taking into consideration your immediate and future injuries and expenses such as medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact an injury may have on your life.
Many car accident victims are not aware of the value of their claim and may be tempted to accept the first offer they receive from the insurance company. This can be a big mistake—you should not rush into a settlement without first consulting an attorney who will work to protect your legal interests and get you the compensation you need.
If you have questions about an accident that you were involved in, contact us today to schedule a complimentary case evaluation. Fill out our online contact form, start a live chat, or give us a call at (717) 888-8888 to get you the help you need.
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