If you have been injured in a car accident claim in California, you can count on the insurance adjuster to fight your claim. They have many tactics they might use, many of which the layperson does not even realize is a tactic. Keep reading to find out what some of these tactics are, and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation if you are in need of a personal injury attorney.
Acting as Though They Are on Your Side
One of the most common tactics is for the adjuster to start out by working to make you believe they are on your side. This is false. They are there to take care of their employer by minimizing or denying claims if at all possible. They might claim that you do not need an attorney because they are there to help you, and they might act as though the claims process is one in which you are working together – not against each other.
Attempting to Get You to Make a Recorded Statement
You should give an insurance adjuster your basic contact information, but beyond that, you should refuse to talk to them without your attorney. They will try to get you to make a recorded statement, hoping that you will inadvertently say something they can then use to reduce or deny your claim.
For example, if the adjuster asks you when you realized the accident was about to happen, answering that you looked down at your radio for just one second and then the car came out of nowhere can hurt your case.
Questioning How Serious Your Injuries Are
Even if the adjuster admits that their insured was at fault, there is still the question of how much your settlement will be for. The adjuster might try to question who serious your injuries are. For example, if you suffer a head injury that prevents you from working, causes terrible headaches, and requires ongoing treatment, the adjuster might ask you, at the end of the call, “What are you up to for the rest of your day?”
This seemingly innocent question could be anything but. For example, if you tell them that you are going to relax with your children and watch TV, they could try to claim that this means your head injury is not that serious. After all, if you can care for your child, watch TV, and relax, then your injury is not serious.
The best way to handle any car accident is to make sure that you have someone on your side. That someone is Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas. Call us now at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation and find out what your options are.
