Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, know your rights, prepare a statement about your accident, and beware of leading questions. You have the right to hire a lawyer who can handle most of the communications with an insurance company. However, you may have to provide a description of the accident from your point of view.
It is always a good idea to prepare what you are going to say because insurance adjusters will use your statement to determine fault. Make sure you stick to the facts and avoid answering leading questions that can downplay your injuries.
Prepare an Accident Description
Insurers may ask for a recorded statement to help investigate your claim. If you have legal representation, you can simply refer the insurance company to your attorney. If you are giving any sort of recorded statement yourself, it is best to have your accident description prepared beforehand so you are ready. You can write down what you remember before calling to file a claim.
Remember, insurers will use your statement to determine fault. When you describe the accident, keep the following tips in mind.
Describe the Basic Facts
Be sure to stick to basic facts when describing the accident, such as:
- The date and time of the accident
- The names of the parties involved
- The intersection where the accident occurred
- A description of the vehicles involved
You can explain what happened from your point of view, but keep it simple unless you have consulted with an attorney first.
Do Not Speculate on Fault
When describing the accident, avoid making any statements about who bears the fault. You may not have all the facts, such as how fast the other car was traveling. These details will factor into a police report and the insurance adjuster’s investigation. Let them handle that task.
Beware of Leading Questions
Insurance adjusters may ask you questions that seem simple enough, but think twice before answering them. They can take your words out of context and use them against you.
For example, they may ask how you are doing. Do not reply with the typical “fine” or “okay” – answers like these can be used to downplay your injuries. Instead, you can just say that you are ready to give your statement.
If they try to discuss your injuries, you should tell them that you are seeing a doctor. Do not go into any more detail. You do not want to give them any fodder to undervalue or deny your claim.
Consider Hiring a Lawyer
Lastly, consider hiring legal counsel. You have the right to hire a lawyer when making an insurance claim. An attorney from our firm can review your statement before you speak to an insurance adjuster, then handle all future communications with the insurance company.
Our firm can also help:
- Investigate your case and counter an insurance adjuster’s determination of fault
- Gather evidence of the other party’s negligence
- Manage all paperwork associated with your claim
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Assess settlement offers and prevent you from accepting one that does not fairly compensate you
- File a personal injury lawsuit
- Represent you at trial
- Keep you updated about your case’s progress
We tailor our legal services to each client’s unique circumstances. You can discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.
We Can Handle Your Case on Contingency
You do not have to worry about upfront legal fees with our firm. We only collect our payment from a potential settlement or verdict we win on your behalf. This way, we can get to work immediately, and you do not have to risk any further losses.
See a Doctor as Soon as Possible
Your health should be your first priority. See a doctor as soon as possible after your accident, so they can assess your injuries and provide treatment. Furthermore, medical documentation can prove instrumental for your claim by linking your injuries to your accident. Your prognosis can then help us calculate your damages.
If you refuse treatment, an insurance adjuster could argue that you contributed to your injuries or they are not as bad as reported. They may attempt to undervalue or deny your claim.
You may have to speak with an insurance adjuster before you have a chance to see a doctor. Still, you can tell the adjuster that you have started seeking medical attention. For example, you can schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Remember, do not answer any questions about your injuries.
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC Is Ready to Help
Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, have your statement ready and be on the lookout for leading questions. We hope you will also consider working with a lawyer from our firm to protect your rights to compensation.
We can help you prepare for your conversation with an insurance adjuster and handle all communications moving forward. This way, you will be able to focus on your health instead of dealing with insurers. For a free consultation, call us today at (571) 229-1800.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form