When you file an injury claim, one of the things you can expect is a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. The insurance company’s goal is to investigate the incident and settle the claim for as little as possible, if anything at all. When the claims adjuster calls you, it is important to understand how to handle that conversation.
There are a few things everyone should understand before talking with a claims adjuster about their injury.
The adjuster is not working for you
When the adjuster calls, they often approach the conversation as though their goal is to help you. They want you to believe that they are your ally when they are, in fact, working for the insurance company. Anything you say can factor into their evaluation of the claim.
It is easy to make a mistake
If you start answering the adjuster’s questions, it is easy to make a mistake in the confusion of it all. Even one misstatement can call your entire story into question in court. It is best to avoid the conversation altogether and provide only a written statement of facts.
The first settlement offer is usually the lowest
You might feel that you need to accept that first offer, but you should actually counter it. Consider your lost income, outstanding medical costs and the effect on your daily life when you calculate a counteroffer.
The better prepared you are before that adjuster calls you, the less likely you are to damage your case.