In the days following your involvement in a motor vehicle accident, you will more than likely be contacted by one or more insurance companies seeking information. This initial contact with an insurance adjuster is an important step of the claim process that can have long-term consequences.
The best advice is simply to have an experienced attorney deal with the insurance adjusters for you, but sometimes that’s not feasible. Here are three important guidelines to keep in mind when dealing with the insurance companies.
1. Find out exactly who you are speaking with and who they represent.
While you must comply with reasonable requests from your insurance company, you are under no obligation to speak with the insurance company for the other driver, and you should refrain from doing so. Be especially careful if the insurance carrier is requesting your permission to record the conversation, and know that you are within your rights to request to consult with an attorney prior to giving a recorded statement.
2. Be honest.
Misrepresentations of any kind can become tremendous problems later and might prevent you from obtaining compensation entirely. If you are unsure as to how to answer a particular question, it is better not to guess. If asked about your nature of your injuries, be sure to mention every body part in which you have experienced pain, even if it seems relatively minor at the time.
3. Avoid discussing settlement of your bodily injury claim in the weeks immediately following your accident.
Insurance companies often give “lowball” settlement offers in an attempt to close claims before the true nature of your injuries can be fully determined.
If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident, let us help. We can assess what your case is truly worth and assist in recovering the fair compensation for your injuries. Contact one of our experienced auto accident lawyers at 850-438-4848 for a free consultation.
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