If you have been involved in a car accident, or any other accident in which you are required to deal with an insurance adjuster, there are a few things you should know. Read on to learn about them but remember that you do not have to deal with an insurance adjuster at all – your attorney can do that. Call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you want a free legal consultation.
1. The Insurance Adjuster You Are Working with is a Trained Negotiator
It is common for people to assume that the insurance adjuster is an expert in the field of insurance, damage, and similar topics. They may be, but what you can count on for sure is that they are a trained negotiator. No matter how nice they seem, their main job is to protect the interests of the insurance company they work for – and that means finding ways to minimize your claim.
2. The Insurance Adjuster Has No Responsibility to Treat You Fairly
If the other vehicle you were involved in an accident with was clearly at fault, it may seem obvious that the adjuster would admit this and offer you a fair settlement. This is not the case. They can deny your claim. They can accept it and delay in paying it. In almost all cases, the first settlement they offer will be much lower than you deserve
3. You Should Not Accept Their Initial Offer
In almost all accident cases, the insurance adjuster is going to offer less than your case is worth – especially if you are not working with a personal injury attorney. They know that many accident victims need money and need their medical bills paid. They may try to take advantage of this vulnerability to pay less for the claim.
4. It is Common for Insurance Companies to Try to Avoid Paying Medical Costs
One of the ways the claims adjuster may work to reduce their settlement is to suggest that you are not being honest about your injuries. For example, they may say that your injuries are the result of a pre-existing condition. They will almost certainly try to reduce your medical cost payments if you did not receive immediate medical care after the accident.
5. Your Statements are Not Confidential
Not only are you statements to the insurance adjuster not confidential, they will be used against you. This is why we never recommend that you talk to an adjuster without an attorney present. If they ask to record the conversation, say no. They may indicate that they just want to reiterate what has already been said, or clarify a few facts, but anything you say has the potential to be used against you.
If you are in need of a free legal consultation from an experienced attorney then we welcome your call to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707.
