What To Know Before You Speak With An Insurance Adjuster

A car accident affects more than your physical health and your financial situation. Your daily life will be changed as you deal with the consequences of the accident. Because of all the stress, you may be tempted to share all the details of the accident with the insurance adjuster in your first conversation and take their first offer. However, this can cause problems.

Be prepared before you speak with an insurance adjuster and make sure you don’t settle for less than what’s fair. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get back on track after the accident.

At Salerno & Leavitt, we have over four decades of combined experience practicing law. We’re dedicated advocates for our clients’ cases throughout the legal process. We’re not afraid to go to trial, and we won’t back down when the insurance companies challenge your car accident claim. Salerno & Leavitt are proud to represent clients in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the nearby areas.

Insurance Adjuster’s Role

The insurance adjuster’s role is to represent the insurance company, negotiate your claim, and quickly offer you a financial settlement after an accident. Always keep in mind that the insurance adjuster’s priority is protecting the insurance company’s bottom line – not awarding you what is fair for your accident.

Requests For A Statement

The insurance adjuster may request a statement from you after the accident. However, giving a statement can create problems when it comes to your financial settlement. Be aware of these considerations before speaking with an insurance adjuster.

Why You Should Refuse

In Nebraska and across the country, you should refuse to give a statement because the insurance adjuster will use your statement against you. They will ask contradictory questions to try to find weak points in your account of what happened in the accident. Then, the adjuster will use those contradictions to reduce your compensation.

To avoid having your words used against you, refuse to give a statement and consult with a personal injury attorney who can work to build a strong case for your car accident claim.

What To Say If You Choose To Give A Statement

You may choose to give a statement; however, if you do, make sure to keep these considerations in mind. Before you begin speaking, ask for your statement to not be recorded. Keep your statement brief and do not answer questions that you don’t know the answer to. Don’t ever admit guilt, and don’t volunteer additional information.

Most importantly, don’t sign anything before it has been reviewed by an attorney. If you sign a statement that does not represent the facts of the case accurately, you may be setting yourself up for a low settlement offer.

What Information Will They Ask Me To Provide?

The insurance adjuster will ask you to provide plenty of personal information and details about the accident. However, to start with, you should only give your full name, address, and telephone number.

You do not need to share your income, your job title, or any other personal details. There is an exception. If you’re negotiating with your own insurance company, you may be required to provide these details according to your insurance policy terms. You can consult with a personal injury attorney to find out what you’re required to do.

The adjuster may ask you to give a statement and to discuss your injuries; however, it is wisest to refuse. You can provide the basic details, such as when the accident happened, where it happened, the vehicles that it involved (if there was another vehicle), and the type of accident.

When it comes to your injuries, you should not share details during the first conversation. You can let them know that you will provide more details at a more appropriate time.

How Legal Counsel Can Help

After a car accident, you may be dealing with physical health issues, financial problems, and emotional stress. It is important to have a determined advocate at your side. At Salerno & Leavitt, we’re focused on doing what it takes to fight for your best interests. Salerno & Leavitt are proud to represent clients in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the nearby areas. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.