If you have been injured in an accident in Bartow, or if you know someone who has, you may end up having to speak with the other party’s insurance adjuster. This is known as “seeking coverage and/or co-payment” from the other driver’s insurance company.
However, most people find the prospect of dealing with insurance adjusters overwhelming and frustrating. This is because many insurance adjusters can be difficult or aggressive, making you feel like you are at fault for what happened. It can also be intimidating if you have never spoken with an insurance company before and don’t know what questions to ask or what information will be most helpful.
While this process can seem overwhelming and frustrating, knowing the right way to talk to an insurance adjuster can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. To help give you an idea as to what you can expect, this personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida is going to provide a guide below that covers all the do’s and don’ts when talking to an insurance adjuster following a personal injury accident.
Be Polite
While they may not have your best interests at heart, remember that insurance adjusters are not your enemy. They may be the first person who truly listens to you about what happened. They are just trying to do their job, which includes investigating your claim. This means they will ask you some personal questions you might not want to answer. However, remember that if you can keep calm and be polite with them, the conversation will likely go better for you in the end.
Don’t Agree to Make a Statement
As we mentioned, the insurance agent will ask many questions about the incident, such as the time, place, and if you have been injured. Your personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida will advise you to refrain from making a statement at this point, because it could be used against you if there is ever an issue later with your claim. The only thing that is usually required right away after the accident is proof that your car was insured. This can be provided by showing them your insurance paperwork.
Don’t Give Out Too Much Information
It is tempting to want to tell the adjuster every detail of your accident. However, your personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida will recommend that you only give them as much information as they ask for. Sometimes insurance adjusters will ask follow-up questions or request additional medical records. It is okay to refuse if you feel like you are being asked too many questions. It is up to you to decide when and how much information you share with the adjuster.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Offer Before Speaking with Your Attorney
Insurance adjusters are trained to make you feel pressured into accepting their offers, especially if they know that you may be too emotionally distraught or confused after your injury. It is for this reason you should never accept a settlement offer from the insurance company until you have spoken with an experienced personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida.
Your attorney can help you understand your rights, what proof you need to ensure your case is sound, and when it is in your best interest to settle. The last thing that any responsible attorney will do is rush into settling your case prematurely. Getting good advice from a trusted source before signing off on anything can mean tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars saved down the road.
Final Thoughts
Insurance adjusters are not just there to process claims — they are also there to find ways to lower your payout so that the company does not have to pay as much out in settlements or reimbursements. To avoid being taken advantage of by these professionals, keep these tips in mind as you speak with the adjuster after an accident or personal injury.
Looking for the Best Personal Injury Attorney in Bartow, Florida?
Have you recently been involved in an auto accident? If so, and if you’re looking to partner with the most trusted personal injury attorney in Bartow, Florida before speaking with any insurance adjusters, look no further than Tonya Stewart Law PA.
Tonya Stewart and her legal team are committed to helping you get the most favorable outcome for your situation. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to learn how we can assist you.