Being the victim of a car accidents can create a lot of chaos in your life. You may be grateful for having insurance to help you deal with the fallout. However, you may want to be weary about insurance companies, even your own. While the insurance adjuster’s job to evaluate and settle claims, their primary goal is often to minimize the payout the insurance company makes to you because they are a money making business. To protect yourself from the tactics of insurance adjusters, it is recommended you contact a local personal injury attorney for help like a Lancaster car wreck lawyer if you live in South Carolina.
Here are some key reasons why you need to be careful when interacting with insurance adjusters:
They Work for the Insurance Company, Not You
Their Goal: Insurance adjusters are employed by the insurance company, and their main objective is to protect the company’s interests by limiting the amount of money paid out for claims. This means they may not have your best interests at heart.
Maximizing Settlement: Their aim is often to settle the claim quickly, sometimes with an offer that’s much lower than what you deserve. They may pressure you into accepting a settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages.
They May Try to Get You to Admit Fault
Subtle Tactics: Adjusters may ask questions that subtly lead you to say something that could be interpreted as admitting fault for the accident. Even something like, “I didn’t see that coming,” could be used against you to shift some or all responsibility for the incident onto you.
What You Should Do: Avoid making any statements about fault or speculating about what happened. Just stick to the facts and let the investigators determine who is at fault.
They Could Record Your Statements
Recorded Interviews: Many adjusters will want to record conversations with you. While this may seem like a routine part of the process, anything you say could potentially be used to reduce your compensation.
What You Should Do: If the adjuster insists on recording the conversation, it’s okay to decline and request that you speak with an attorney first. You don’t have to give a recorded statement without legal counsel.
They May Minimize Your Injuries or Damages
Downplaying Injuries: An adjuster might downplay the severity of your injuries or the impact the accident had on your life, trying to justify a lower settlement.
What You Should Do: Be honest but precise about the extent of your injuries and keep detailed records of your medical treatments and expenses. If necessary, consult a medical professional who can help clarify the long-term effects of the injury.
They Might Offer a Quick Settlement
Quick, Low Offers: Insurance companies sometimes offer a quick settlement, often much less than what you might be entitled to, in the hopes that you’ll accept without fully understanding the long-term consequences of your injuries.
What You Should Do: Don’t accept an initial settlement offer without consulting with an attorney. Medical bills, pain, suffering, and lost wages can accumulate over time, so it’s crucial to know the full extent of your losses.
They Could Use Delaying Tactics
Delaying Tactics: Insurance companies sometimes delay or drag out the claims process to discourage you from pursuing your claim or to wear you down, hoping you’ll settle for less just to move on.
What You Should Do: Stay organized and keep a clear record of all communications, including dates and the content of conversations with the adjuster.
They May Twist Your Words
Using Your Words Against You: Insurance adjusters are skilled at using language to make statements you make appear more damaging to your claim than they are. A simple slip-up or misstep could harm your case.
What You Should Do: Keep communication with the adjuster as limited as possible. If you must speak to them, stick to the basic facts without elaborating.
They Could Pressure You to Settle Quickly
Time Pressure: You might be pressured into settling your case quickly to get a check and “move on” with your life. However, rushing into a settlement could result in you accepting far less than what you’re entitled to.
What You Should Do: Take your time. Discuss your options with an attorney and evaluate whether the settlement offer truly reflects your medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
How to Protect Yourself
Consult an Attorney: Before giving any statements or agreeing to a settlement, speak with a personal injury attorney. They can guide you through the process and ensure that you don’t make any statements that could harm your case.
Don’t Sign Anything Right Away: Never sign any documents or agree to any settlement without understanding the full implications. Consult with your attorney before signing any release forms or settlement agreements.
Stay Organized: Keep records of all communications with the insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and any offers they make. This can be helpful if the situation escalates or if you need to go to court.
Conclusion
By being cautious, you ensure that you don’t unknowingly jeopardize your claim and that you’re getting the fair compensation you deserve for your injury.
