Everyday car accident victims are taken advantage throughout the personal injury claim process. This is because insurance adjusters work against you but maintain an authoritative tone that makes you feel like they are on your side after you file a claim. Our experienced personal injury attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has more than 30 years of experience helping her clients get fair settlement offers for their insurance claims. Read below to learn tips that help you stay ahead of insurance adjusters with an experienced attorney.
- Before you talk to an insurance adjuster, understand their role.
An insurance adjuster has three main priorities:
- Prevent insurance fraud — make sure you’re not outright lying.
- Settle claims for a low amount.
- Settle claims quickly.
Often, insurance adjusters deal with 100 claims per month.
They have a lot on their plate, and they don’t necessarily have specialized medical or legal training.
When you and your lawyer demonstrate advanced knowledge of your case — backed up by evidence— you already have a leg up.
When a claims adjuster calls, immediately find out who you’re speaking to, and who they represent.
After that, keep the conversation concise.
- Avoid giving lots of details about the accident or your material damages.
It’s natural that you’re shocked from the accident. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are often playing off this shock.
Do not make guesses about what happened, and never admit partial liability.
Maybe a driver struck your car while they were texting — but you forgot to put your signal on.
Before you mention that you did something wrong, wait to speak to your lawyer, because evidence might later reveal other variables.
And when the insurance adjuster asks you about damages to your vehicle, get a quote from your own auto-repair shop, not the shop they suggest.
Recommended shops in Chicago often try to save the insurance company money. They may not perform a very thorough inspection.
- Avoid giving a lot of details about the injury.
Car accidents are very frightening. At the end of the day, you feel grateful to still be living and breathing. Combined with adrenaline, this feeling can make your injuries seem less consequential.
But often, a report comes back, stating your injury is more serious than you originally thought.
Waiting for a proper medical diagnosis pays off. An insurance adjuster will take it far more seriously than a self-diagnosis.
So keep it short. Tell the insurance adjuster you’re seeking medical treatment in Chicago, and that you and your lawyer will send a written summary of your injuries.
- Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement.
You’re still recovering from the shock of your car accident. When asked for a recorded statement, you might apologize or exaggerate. You might omit important details.
An insurance adjuster might ask for access to your medical files, and this might seem harmless.
However, with access to files from years ago, an insurance adjuster might try to argue that your conditions were pre-existing.
So instead, send a statement in writing with your lawyer, and attach all necessary evidence. You can plan out exactly what to say.
- Don’t settle on the first offer.
Most insurance adjusters have allocated a specific amount of money for your claim. They will purposefully offer you a lower offer than what is allocated — and hope you accept it.
A quick, low-stress settlement might seem like a good deal. But you should absolutely negotiate — even if an offer seems good — because negotiation will get you more money.
So, gather compelling evidence and make a counteroffer. Remember, the insurance adjuster wants to settle the claim, too.
Call our law office today to stay ahead of insurance adjusters with an experienced attorney on your side. Our accident attorney will help you to recover compensation for your medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and more after your auto accident.
Spanish Speaking Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Spanish-speaking individuals can have a more difficult time seeking justice in their personal injury cases due to language barriers. This causes them to not take action against those who have left them with financial devastation and physical trauma. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, our team refuses to let a language barrier affect your right to justice and compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident and is in need of Spanish-speaking legal advice, our team is here for you. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our law office.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, Texas
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident and suffered an injury, experienced loss of income, or are unable to work due to a car accident, you can benefit from the services of a Houston car accident expert in your personal injury case. Whether you missed work due to an injury or due to not having access to a vehicle, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers can help you!
Beverly R Caruthers Law Office
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 620
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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