Dealing with Insurance Adjusters (What You NEED to Before You Say a Word)

Cooperating with your Adjuster is perfectly fine. This means you can speak to them and assist them with the investigation of your claim.

They will need know what happened and how badly you were injured.

Additionally, they will need the release of your medical records. This request is completely normal.

In no-fault States you will sign a PIP form that includes the authorization for medical records.

If you feel you will need additional medical care after an accident you should tell your Adjuster. Finding the right Doctor after an accident allows for the proper medical documentation of your injuries.

Once that is completed your Adjuster will need a recorded statement about what happened. At this point, if you have not already secured legal representation, it is recommended.

Refusing to give a recorded statement to your insurance company adjuster can result in denial of your claim.

Now you have a short window of time to get an accident attorney to protect your rights.

This is fine because consultations are free and your contingency attorney will advise you of the appropriate next steps.

After you have given an advised recorded statement your Adjuster can determine who was at-fault. In a car accident determination of fault can be shared.

Your Insurance company will try to settle the damages you may be responsible for. Their adjusters will be working with the other claimants involved in the crash.

When someone is injured and you are at-fault or share in the fault your insurance company will pay claims up to your policy coverage limits.

Ultimately, your insurer will determine the amount to be paid for claims against you.

No. You are not required to even speak to them. This is important because most calls today start off with, “we are on a recorded line”.

One mistake accident victims make is assuming they are not at-fault or that no-fault laws protect them.

They fall for the “friendly” adjusters tactics and volunteer a statement based on this false knowledge.

Unfortunately, they find out later that fault has to be determined by someone else and their given statements hurt their case.

The two best ways to handle other insurers investigations:

1. Say - “I’m need to consult an attorney first.”

OR

2. Even Better Say - “Let me refer you to my lawyer.”

Accident lawyers are just as experienced as the Adjusters and are familiar with their dirty tricks.

While the Adjusters protect their insurance companies profits your attorney will be protecting your rights through proper representation.

This statement is fraught with danger. If you do decide to “handle it” yourself remember that adjusters do this all day, everyday.

There is no such things as a friendly conversation. Here are three perfect examples:

Slick Adjuster #1: You were aware of the other vehicle beforehand.

Adjuster: “That is amazing, when did you first see the car that hit you?”

You: “Happened so fast, I barely saw them.”

You have just admitted to them that you did, in fact, see the other vehicle before impact.

Slick Adjuster #2: Your injuries are minor.

Adjuster: “Looks like a rough accident. How are you doing?”

You: “Okay”

The adjuster now has recorded in the case file that you are okay (unhurt).

Slick Adjuster #3: Attempt to make you at fault.

Adjuster: “The reckless driver that hit you was speeding. So, they were easy to miss?”

You: “Yeah, I was changing the radio station and bang!”.

You have just admitted to a distracted driving accident. Some or all of the fault in the accident can be placed on you.

Yes. This event will happen.

The other insurance company needs information to complete the claims process.

You must speak to them so you can be compensated for your damages. Two methods exist for this action.

1. You are advised by your accident attorney during the statement. This provides the highest probability you will receive the maximum compensation for you injuries.
2. You give your statement on your own. Keep in mind insurance companies know most people have little to no experience dealing with accident claims. They will try and take advantage of you.

You will, but this is another trap the adverse adjuster sets. By signing it you give them access to anything in your medical records.

They will use this against you by associating injuries you sustained in the accident to prior medical conditions and events.

For example: Prior Injuries

If your medical records indicate you had a back injury from work 3 years ago - the insurance company you are fighting will claim you already had a back injury and the accident was not the cause.

This is simpler than it sounds.

You forward your own medical bills and records to the other party’s insurance company.

The best thing to do is share all your medical documentation with your attorney. They will review and advise you on the best course of action.

Their experience allows them to identify common mistakes in diagnosis or additional tests that should be conducted.

Since this is their job they know the real value of your claim. They will attempt to offer you a sum significantly lower but not low enough to offend you.

This is not always an over the phone or face to face negotiated offer. Insurers have another shady tactic to quickly settle.

You will receive a check for damages unexpectedly. They are tempting you. Do not cash the check. Acceptance of money is a settlement of your case.

However some claimants fall for the fast cash settlement only to discover the danger later on.

Absolutely not.

Adjusters will pressure you to take what they will present as a more than generous offer.

Adverse insurers are attempting the shift the risk of serious or debilitating injuries to the accident victim.

Once the release from claim is signed and the small settlement is paid all future costs are placed on the victim.

These insurance tactics are used because they work.

1. Quick Settlement Checks prey on your need for money
2. Pressured to settle now and avoid attorneys
3. Victims feel okay and fall for pre-diagnosed settlements
4. Unpaid medical liens are now the victims responsibility

Injuries can hide for days after a car accident. That is why you have up to 14 days to report them in some States.

Adrenaline and cortisol are hormones that can hide the full impact of sustained injuries. Plus you may not be able to tell you are hurt until you get back to your normal routine.

This is why it is important to get fully evaluated by the correct medical provider. A head impact injury should be diagnosed by a Family Doctor.

Properly trained medical professionals can make a medical record of areas they perceive future problem could exist.

Now that the proper medical documentation exists you have the time (most cases years) to seek reimbursement for damages you may not even know exist yet.

This is one of the insurance companies most successful settlement strategies.

The underpayment of future medical costs. Known as your Estimated Future Medical Settlement.

The Adjuster will boardly estimate your future medical costs and offer you what seems like a large amount to settle. They have assumed the future of your health needs.

What they know is this amount usually pales in comparison to the actual cost incurred by the victim.

Proper representation is the best way to ensure you avoid this trap.