When you sustain an injury in an accident, you may be able recover damages for your injuries and losses by filing a claim with your own insurance company. Depending on the factors of your case, you may file a claim against your insurance company, or the insurance company of the at-fault driver. Either way, understanding how to properly work with an insurance claims adjuster can make all the difference in how your claim is handled. Successful resolution of your claim requires communicating with the adjustor on your claim. Here are some tips below for how to work with insurance adjusters appropriately.
A Claim Adjuster’s Priorities
It is important to know that when speaking with an insurance adjuster, this person is working directly for an insurance company. Accordingly, saving the insurance company money is one of their top priorities. What this means is that the adjuster will likely be looking for ways to reduce or diminish the value of your claim in order to keep the value as low as possible. It is recommended that you approach communications with an adjuster in a careful but polite manner. Always be truthful but be careful and clear when making statements – you don’t want them to be mistakenly misconstrued against you. And do not sign any documents until you have spoken with your auto accident lawyer.
Avoid Being Rude To Adjuster
While an insurance adjuster may not have your interests as their top priority, refrain from the temptation to be rude. Despite the emotions you may be experiencing, approaching the conversation with abruptness and offense may only make matters worse. Civility is always best. Just like anyone else you encounter, an adjuster is not likely to respond well to being verbally attacked. As our friends at Cohen & Cohen would agree, remain polite and courteous. This can be difficult, but ultimately staying calm and professional will be more effective.
Consider Hiring an Attorney
Being in an auto accident can be upsetting enough, especially if you were seriously injured and now your car needs repairs or replacement. These accidents can greatly disrupt the everyday lives of those involved. After reporting the accident to your insurance company, you will have to speak with an insurance adjuster. Remember to remain polite, be truthful, concise, and clear – so your statements aren’t mistakenly misconstrued. Always consider hiring a lawyer if you believe you have a claim against another at-fault driver.
