Possibly one of the most difficult aspects of handling an auto accident claim is dealing with an insurance adjuster. Usually within a day or two of an accident people are contacted by an adjuster from the responsible party's insurance company to try to settle their claim. No matter how friendly or personable the insurance adjuster seems, the adjuster is not your friend.
While you may feel confident in your negotiation skills or you may just want to hurry up and settle your claim so you can get your car fixed, it is never a good idea to try to deal with insurance adjusters on your own. Even if you have worked with insurance companies before, there are still a lot of pitfalls that you may fail to recognize.
The insurance industry is a billion dollar for-profit industry. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose goal is to reduce costs for the insurance company that employs them. They are taught to minimize the amount of money they payout and to deny claims so the insurance company can increase their profits. They are looking out for their employer's best interests - not yours.
Insurance adjusters will try to settle your claim as soon as possible and minimize the amount of money they pay you for vehicle repairs, medical care, and lost wages. They will pressure you into giving a recorded statement and signing a settlement agreement or check. Do not agree to give a statement or sign anything until you speak with an attorney.
What is the Harm in Talking to an Adjuster?
Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say what they want to hear. They often will ask questions designed to get you to agree to their version of events. For example, after telling them what happened in the accident, they may say, "Well, it sounds like the accident was partially your fault, wouldn't you agree?" No matter how reasonable it may sound, do not agree to it. And never agree to give a recorded statement.
What is the Harm in Signing a Check for Repairs?
Of course you want to get your vehicle fixed, so it makes sense to endorse the check you receive from the insurance carrier in order to get the body shop to complete the repairs. But don't. Never sign anything. The fine print may release your personal injury claims in addition to the compensation for your vehicle damage - which means that if you are hurt (even if you don't realize it yet) and you accept that check you may not be able to pursue any additional compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering.
You only have one opportunity to recover from the losses caused by an auto accident. It is important to consult with a reputable personal injury attorney before speaking to or accepting a settlement offer from an insurance adjuster. A personal injury attorney experienced in handling car accidents will help ensure that your claim is resolved in your best interests.
