Once the accident is over and you return home, you will be faced with an aftermath that lasts longer than the split second it took for the accident to occur. You are going to have to deal with the at-fault party’s insurance company and, no matter how helpful the adjuster you speak with seems, he or she is only interested in ensuring you receive as little compensation as possible. To accomplish this, the adjuster will engage in many different tactics, including tempting you with a lowball settlement offer.
Before you embark on these discussions, you need to obtain skilled legal representation to avoid making any costly or irreversible mistakes. You should also understand how to talk to the adjusters.
BELOW ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO TALK TO THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER WHO IS HANDLING YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM:
- Limit the information you share with adjusters: You might believe that you need to share everything with the insurance adjuster, but you are only obligated to provide basic information, such as your name, the date of the accident, and the location. However, you should refuse to share information regarding the details of your injuries, your prognosis, or treatment and recovery. The adjuster will likely press for this information, in which case, you must politely decline and insist that you were advised not to provide this information. Whatever you do, never agree to provide a recorded statement! You are not required to do this.
- Keep track of your communication: You are going to have more than a few discussions with the insurance adjuster, so get in the habit of keeping track of your communication. Keep a record of the adjuster’s name, contact information, the name of the insurance company he or she represents, and the dates and times for each occasion the adjuster contacts you. It would also be helpful to note the nature of your discussions. Basically, the more information you are able to keep record of the better. It will be handy to have if your claim ever reaches the point where it can only be settled through arbitration or a courtroom trial.
- Do not fall into a settlement trap: The adjuster you speak with will likely pressure you into accepting a settlement offer. Adjusters frequently bet on the desperation of injured victims, hoping that they are so burdened by medical costs and treatments that they are willing to grab at the immediate relief they are offering. Unfortunately, these offers are almost always much too low to truly cover the costs of one’s injuries and property damage. This means that once the settlement money runs out, you would have to cover the rest. Remember, once you settle your case, you cannot reopen it to seek additional compensation.
- Beware of negative comments: Speaking with an insurance adjuster is often a mind game, so be wary of what they say and avoid falling for their tricks. For example, insurance adjusters often try to imply that a claim has little value to reduce the expectations of a victim. Do not trust them. If you have concerns about something, consult with your attorney instead since he or she will be looking out for your best interests.
PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS IN TULSA
Were you injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by a negligent or careless driver? Now is the time to obtain the representation you will need to recover the damages necessary to cover the costs associated with the accident. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, our Tulsa team of personal injury attorneys are here to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
If we cannot win your case, you will not owe us any legal fees!
Contact our office today at 918-492-7674 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.