Watch What You Say When Speaking to an Adjuster

When you file a personal injury claim, the at-fault party’s insurance will send an adjuster to talk to you. Their goal is to help their insurance company pay as little money as possible on your claim, so it’s important that you know what to say (and what not to say) to them. Even friendly pleasantries can be turned into “evidence” against your case.

To make sure you get the payout you deserve, you need to be careful. Here are our best tips for talking to an adjuster in Chico, CA:

• Try not to speak to them, if possible: If you have an attorney, the attorney may be able to handle speaking to the adjuster on your behalf. It will be easier for them to stick to the facts and not give anything away.
• Have an attorney present: If you must speak to the adjuster yourself, it’s smart to have an attorney present. They’ll be able to take over if the adjuster is out of line, or if you’re about to say something that could have a negative effect on your claim.
• Remain calm: It’s easy to get emotional when you’re talking about a personal injury claim. Accidents often result in trauma, which makes it harder for people to stay calm. However, your frustration and upset may lead to you revealing information that will adversely affect your claim. Take a deep breath and let your attorney take the lead.
• Never admit fault: When you’re speaking to the adjuster, make sure you stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault. Simply give them the facts of the accident—do not embellish or offer your opinions on what happened. Anything beyond the facts could be construed as a reason not to pay you the full amount you deserve.
• Don’t offer information: Just as you shouldn’t embellish, don’t offer any information beyond what the question asks for. This is a skill that takes practice and requires you to really listen to the questions. Your attorney will practice with you ahead of time.
• Don’t agree to a recorded statement: Recorded statements can come back to bite you in the end. The at-fault party’s insurance company could use voluntarily recorded statements to “prove” that your injuries weren’t as bad as you claim, which will have negative consequences for your case.
• Don’t take the first offer: Finally, don’t settle for the first offer they give you—once you accept an offer, you’re legally bound to that amount. Always consult with your attorney. They’ll be able to tell you if the insurance company is lowballing you or if you should go ahead and take the offer, based on the rest of the case.

If you have more questions about how to speak to an insurance adjuster in Chico, CA, reach out to The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, Inc. today. Our attorneys will fight for you to receive the payout you deserve so you can get back to your normal life. We look forward to discussing your case with you soon.

Categorised in: Personal Injury Lawyer