“Should I talk to an insurance adjuster if I am injured in a car accident? They seem to just want some brief information.” We are often asked this question and after more than 40 years of experience I can tell you it is not in your legal or financial interest to speak with an insurance adjuster until you have the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Most simply people simply have no knowledge or experience of what to do after a motor vehicle accident and how the process of recovering for all of your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses will work. You will undoubtedly be contacted almost immediately by an insurance adjuster representing the driver who caused your injuries. There are a few important things you need to know in order to handle your first conversation with any insurance adjuster.
Insurance Companies Do NOT have Your Best Interests in Mind – They Are Your Adversary
Insurance adjusters are highly skilled, trained insurance company representatives. They have one single purpose: to settle your injury claim for the lowest possible amount. Insurance adjusters are usually highly personable and their job is to engage you in a friendly manner and convince you to settle your injury claim as soon as possible.
If you are still wondering “Should I talk to an insurance adjuster if I am injured in a car accident?” and intend to take that risk the most important thing to know is to be very careful about what you say to any insurance company representative. It is not in your best legal or financial interests to discuss the extent of your injuries or how you are feeling. They are often attempting to get you to make statements which they will use against you later. They may ask something which seems very innocent such as “can you tell me “in your own words about the accident and your resulting injuries” It is very important not to provide any statements as they may conflict with what you learn down the road. Simply resist their friendly overtures and decline to make any statement or tell them your side of the accident. Tell them you need to speak with your attorney and call us for a free consultation at (949)305-1400.
Insurance adjusters may attempt to pressure you to make a quick decision. This is never in your best interest. They may also ask you to sign a medical release form in order to “verify” your injuries.
It is extremely important not to sign anything without having it reviewed by an experienced personal injury attorney.
“Should I talk to an insurance adjuster if I am injured in a car accident?” The answer is this: it is not in your legal or financial interest to do so. It can wait.
It is important to understand there will be only one settlement in your personal injury case. You cannot and will not be reimbursed for expenses as you go and what you recover from the insurance company must cover all you presently owe for medical treatment and other expenses as well as those you will need in the future. This settlement must cover every past, present and future expense related to your injuries including all medical expenses, lost wages and compensation for being forced to endure your injuries and associated recovery.
It will take some time for all the symptoms associated with your injuries to actually present and it will take even more time for the doctors in your case to definitively tell you the extent of your injuries and all that will be required for you to make a full recovery.
There is no rush to speak with the insurance adjuster. Learn more about how the process works after a car accident and what you should do to protect your rights and interests. Our clients appreciate and value the benefit of more than 40 years of experience Rivers Morrell brings to their accident and personal injury cases. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of these clients and the legal industry and contact us or call (949)305-1400 for a free consultation prior to speaking with any insurance adjuster.
