After a car accident, friends or family might have told you something like “beware of the insurance adjuster”? This could not be further from the truth.
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. It is their job to review the details of a car accident and determine how liable the insurance company is. To do this, the insurance adjuster will investigate the accident by conducting interviews with the claimant and witnesses. Medical records, police report, and other documents might also be assessed.
Can You Trust Insurance Adjusters?
No. You cannot. This is not to say that all insurance adjusters are not honest, but rather that it is their job to be loyal to their employer. This kind of loyalty also means that they must align their interests with the interest of the insurance company. What exactly is their interest, you might ask? Profit. It is the goal of any insurance company to make as much profit as possible and this is done through paying out the least amount of money to victims.
All too often the victim of a car accident fails to recognize the sly, clever, and strategic tactics used by insurance adjusters. They believe what the insurance adjustor is saying and accept a settlement for less than what is needed or deserved.
When the Adjuster Asks You About Your Current Physical Condition
If the insurance adjustor of your own insurance company calls you an asks you about your current physical condition, it is up to you to answer. If you choose to disclose this information, you should know that they can use this against you.
The best thing you can do is to talk with a personal injury lawyer, like a insurance lawyer trusts, who can advise you on what to do or say. If you agree to retain a lawyer, he or she may take over all communications to ensure everything is properly handled.
Signing Documents or Giving Statements
Remember anything you say and do can be used against you by the insurance company. To avoid a misunderstanding or error, ask a lawyer for help. You should not sign or agree to anything before a settlement has been finalized. This is considered to be a best practice and avoids the potential of an insurance company using jargon in the document that does not favor your situation.
Be aware that many insurance adjusters will try to persuade you to sign a release before the claim is settled. If you sign this, there is a chance that you will not receive fair compensation. If you’re given any documentation to sign, have a lawyer review it.
You should also know that the insurance company might ask you to see their doctor. In general, these doctors, like the insurance adjuster, has a loyalty to the insurance company and may downplay your injuries. Review this matter with a lawyer before proceeding.
If you would like to talk with a personal injury lawyer who can help you to negotiate and communicate with your insurance company, call a lawyer today.