Attorney
At one time or another, most adults will end up in a car accident, it just seems to be one of those unfortunate facts of life. Many of these accidents will be serious enough to cause injury and damages to the victims, which means that they can file a compensation claim. This is often done with the help of a Washington D.C., personal injury attorney.
Not only are attorneys familiar with the entire personal injury claims system, but they are also experts at building strong claims that are difficult to deny. Additionally, after an accident, they will handle all of the communication with the insurer for the defendant, which is important since saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster can mean your entire claim gets denied. Here is a list of things you should never say to an insurance adjuster.
Don’t Say “I’m Sorry”
This is essentially an admission of fault, even if said off-handedly, and any apologetic language that you use may give the insurance adjuster what they need to minimize or deny your claim. Any admission of fault could completely destroy any chance of recovering compensation for your injury.
Don’t Talk About Your Injuries
This is a very important thing to remember, particularly since when you speak to them you will likely be on the phone on a recorded line that can be used against you later. Many times the insurance adjuster will call you to “see how you’re doing”, under the guise of pretending to care about your health.
The reality is, they are calling to try and get you to say, even if out of sheer politeness, that you’re feeling a little better. They may even press you for more information about your injuries, and while to many people this may seem like another routine part of the claims process, it’s just another attempt to get you to unwittingly disclose medical information.
The best thing to do is not speak to them at all about your injuries. Hopefully, you’re working with an experienced local attorney, in which case you can simply tell them you don’t know the full extent of your injuries yet, and that they should speak with your attorney. If you don’t have an attorney, be sure you do not give them any information until your doctor or other healthcare professional can give you a full diagnosis.
Don’t Give Any Recorded Statements
This is another reason why working with an attorney is the smart move for injury claims. Any communication they do will generally be in writing, so there can be no twisting of your words or accidental miscommunication. Avoid any recorded conversation with an insurance adjuster until you speak with legal counsel.
Don’t Say Yes to Their First Offer
In many cases the insurance adjuster will give a lowball offer right away, to try to minimize the potential settlement or payout. Be sure you don’t accept any first offer, and that you are leveraging legal help where possible.
If You’re Injured in a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident that resulted in you sustaining injuries or financial damages, reach out to a personal injury attorney today for a free consultation. Contact our office today for legal help.