In the hours or days after you’ve been in a car accident, you can expect to have multiple phone conversations with representatives from insurance agencies. The insurance adjuster assigned to your case is tasked with uncovering the facts and assigning a value to your claim.
It is important to prepare yourself for this conversation so you can avoid accidentally damaging the value of your case. Here are some tips.
- Be cordial: It’s understandable to be emotional about the events surrounding your accident, especially if they’re still fresh. But you won’t help anything by being rude or angry with the adjuster. Remain calm and be cordial and polite at all times.
- Get information: Make sure you have the name and information of the person you are speaking with, and the company they represent.
- Limit your information: Only provide the personal information your adjuster asks you for, including name, address and telephone number. You don’t need to provide any information about your income, your work or your schedule. In addition, do not go into unnecessary detail about the accident. You can answer questions with the facts. If they ask you about injuries, do not give any indication that the matter is settled—if you say you are “still treating” it gives you some leeway to still seek medical attention.
- Don’t rush to settle: It’s understandable to want to move on from your case as quickly as possible, but avoid jumping at the first settlement offer you get. Adjusters will often offer a settlement during the first phone call or two, but this is usually a lowball offer. Working with an attorney to determine the true value of case will help you maximize your settlement figure.
- Limit conversation: Set time limits on your conversation, and limits on what you will or will not discuss. You should also feel confident with your ability to set limits on future phone contact.
For more information about how to handle your initial conversation or two with an insurance adjuster, contact a trusted Sarasota auto accident lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.