After being involved in an accident, both you and the other driver involved have a duty to report the accident to the police, exchange information, and report the accident to your individual car insurance companies, too. Which means that shortly after your accident–and perhaps before you even have time to process what has happened–your phone will likely be ringing, with an insurance adjuster ready to ask questions and get a statement.
Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at the office of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers know that, regardless of whether the adjuster on the other line is a representative from your insurance company, or is representing the other driver, exercising caution with your word in an investigative call is necessary. Here are some tips for responding to an automobile insurance adjuster during the investigative call.
1. Start with a Basic Introduction
When your phone rings and you learn that it’s an insurance adjuster on the other line, grab a notepad and a piece of paper and get ready to take some notes. The first piece of information that you should collect and write down is the name of the insurance adjuster to whom you’re speaking, as well as the company for which they work. You should also get a phone number or other contact information.
In exchange, you should provide your personal information to the insurance adjuster, including your full name, your address, and your telephone number.
2. Don’t Give a Statement About the Accident
While you should provide the insurance adjuster with your personal information, you should not offer the insurance adjuster any details about the accident, and if asked to give a statement–which will be recorded–politely decline. You can provide the insurance adjuster with basic information that they will find in the police report, such as where the accident occurred, the time of the accident, and the names of the parties involved; however, do not share details about fault or how the accident occurred. Inform the insurance adjuster that the facts of the accident are currently being investigated, and you will have your attorney reach out to them at a later date.
3. Never, Never Talk About Your Injuries
You may think that telling the insurance adjuster all about your injuries is a good thing, and something that you should do in order to ensure that you are compensated for these injuries at a later date. But talking about your injuries can actually be disadvantageous, as you may make a claim that is not later substantiated, or may develop more injuries later on that you don’t address at the time of conversation. Simply state that you are in the process of receiving medical care and information will be shared when you reach improvement.
4. Remain Professional and Polite
Talking to an insurance adjuster can be a frustrating experience, and you may get the distinct impression that the automobile insurance adjusters are attempting to distort what you’re saying to put blame on your shoulders. Do not give into your emotions – remain professional and polite throughout the entire conversation, and simply state that you will have your Los Angeles car accident attorney reach out in the future.
Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys at the office of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers know how to talk to automobile insurance adjusters and maximize our clients’ settlements. For a free consultation with our team, please call us today or send us a message explaining your accident and injuries. We work hard for you.