Will an Insurance Adjuster Call You After an Accident?

Yes, an insurance claims adjuster will call you as soon as they learn about the injuries that their insured individual or policyholder caused you. But what exactly do claims adjusters do, and can they be trusted? Are they friends or foes? Here’s what you need to know about insurance claims adjusters and what to do if they call you following an accident.

Do You Need to Speak to The Insurance Claims Adjuster?

You’re not under any legal obligation to speak to the other or at-fault party’s insurance claims adjuster. You do, however, need to speak to your personal insurance provider’s representative if you’re filing a claim against your own policy. If you’re unsure if you should discuss your accident case with an insurance adjuster, your best recourse is to let your lawyer handle all the discussions with insurance adjusters.

Why? Simply because the adjuster works for the other party’s insurer and will only have the best interests of their employer in mind.

Tips for Handling Discussions with an Insurance Claims Adjuster

Always keep in mind that the end goal of the other party’s insurance provider is to pay injured claimants as little compensation as possible. The insurer can and will try anything to reduce your payout and contest your claim. Adjusters are on the lookout for any evidence that your injuries and losses are non-existent or just minor and that you were somehow liable for the accident that caused your injuries.

So if you do talk to a claims adjuster, never talk about your injuries or how you’re even feeling at the moment, even if you believe that you’ve fully recovered. Remember that some injury symptoms might be delayed, and seemingly minor injuries could turn out to be more severe than you expected.

Likewise, only answer questions the adjuster asks. Never volunteer any extra information on the accident or agree to give a recorded statement. Written or recorded statements will be used by the insurer to find any holes or weaknesses in your claim. Any information you give to the adjuster could serve as their reason for denying your claim or significantly lowering the real value of your settlement.

In addition, in the event that you are required to give the claims adjuster more than just the basic information regarding the accident and your injuries, stop the conversation and state that they will have to talk to your lawyer for specific information about your case.

Take note that basic information often includes the accident date, the parties involved, the location, details about the police officer who responded to the scene, and any witnesses. Having your lawyer deal with the claims adjuster will ensure that you will not accidentally say something that may endanger your claim in any way.

Seek Legal Guidance from an Experienced Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney Now

For legal guidance following an accident that left you or a loved one injured, do not hesitate to contact the top Brooklyn personal injury lawyers of Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman, P.C. Call 212-285-3300 or fill out our online contact form to arrange a free evaluation of your case today.