How should I deal with insurance adjusters?

A:

One of the cardinal rules of a personal injury claim is to always be mindful of how you talk about your case to others, particularly insurance adjustors. In the days, weeks and months after your accident or injury, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster, whether it is from your own insurance company, or from the company representing the opposing party.

The simplest, most-effective and painless way to deal with insurance adjustors after an accident is to not deal with them at all. By this we mean, leave this vital step in the hands of your Philadelphia injury lawyer. This doesn't imply that you should ignore the insurance adjusters' calls or rebuff them at every turn. Instead, politely inform the adjusters that you have enlisted the help of a Philadelphia injury lawyer and they will be handling all communication related to your case.

While it may seem that you can handle this process on your own, you may be surprised at how the smallest, most seemingly innocuous comment can cause irreparable damage to the strength and validity of your claim.

For instance, if you were to say (during a taped phone conversation) that "the other driver came out of nowhere," this comment could be used against you during the settlement process or personal injury lawsuit. This "benign" statement might lead the insurance company or a jury to believe that you were not paying attention while you were driving and therefore, are actually the person responsible for your injuries.

If the situation arises where you feel that you must speak with an insurance adjuster without your Philadelphia injury lawyer present, there are a few steps you can take to protect your claim:

• Keep careful notes of the conversation;
• Do not give the insurance adjustor permission to record the call;
• Give honest answers, but never offer any more information than what is asked;
• Keep your replies to a simple "yes" or "no" when possible;
• Do not elaborate on the nature of your injuries. Instead, let the adjustor know that they will get the pertinent medical information once you and your physician(s) have completed a thorough evaluation;
• Do not sign anything or agree to sign anything without first having your Philadelphia injury lawyer examine the settlement offer; and
• Don't engage in "small talk" about your family, job or personal life. Keep the conversation bare bones relaying only the basic facts about your accident.

Contacting a Philadelphia Injury Lawyer

Your Philadelphia injury lawyer is your greatest ally when it comes time to communicate with the insurance adjusters after an accident. A Philadelphia injury lawyer at White & Williams LLP can help you to handle these conversations and ensure that you don't inadvertently damage your claim. Contact us today - 1-877-944-8396.