You were involved in a car accident, and you filed a claim with your insurance company. One of the first call’s you may receive from your insurance company will be the insurance adjuster (working on behalf of the insurance company). Negotiating with an insurance claims adjuster can be an intimidating experience, especially if you were just injured in a car accident while driving in Las Vegas. Before you agree to any compensation offered by the insurance company, understand how to speak to the insurance adjuster so you can protect yourself and get a fair settlement.
What Does An Insurance Claims Adjuster Do?
The insurance claims adjuster is there to assess damage, take your statement, and estimate compensation. Talking to the insurance adjuster is one of the most important conversations you will have and what you say will have an impact on the amount of money the insurance company will pay.
The insurance adjuster will calculate actual expenses like medical bills and loss of income. They may also estimate losses from pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Expenses in the form of medical bills or lost wages are simple in their calculation. Pain and suffering calculations are a little different. They may use a per-diem calculation in which you are paid a specific amount for each day of pain and suffering. Or they may utilize a pain multiplier system that multiplies the medical expenses times a set number.
The insurance adjuster will try to get to you make a statement—and possibly even record your statement—before you are mentally recovered from the accident or consult with a attorney. You are not legally required to make a statement to the insurance adjuster. Simply tell the adjuster you will make a statement at the appropriate time.
Keep in mind the insurance adjuster is not working for you. He is not an attorney, and may ask questions that will allow the insurance company to reduce the settlement amount for your personal injury, or worse, deny your claim. The insurance adjuster may even try to get you to take an immediate settlement. Do not agree to anything until you have all your facts together, or have obtained the services of an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney.
Provide Only Limited Information
Give no details about your injury or accident until you have time to collect yourself or consult with an attorney. While you certainly want to be polite and courteous, you are not required by law to make a statement. Take time to recover from the trauma of the incident, because you want to be clear minded when you do speak with the adjuster.
After an accident you need time to investigate the accident and evaluate the situation on your own. You will want to have a doctor give you a medical examination so you have a clear understanding of your injuries.
The Insurance Adjuster Works On Behalf Of The Insurance Company
The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, and their job is to pay as little money as possible. They may seem like a nice friendly person, and may try to subtly get you to give information that may be harmful to your claim.
Do not do this until you have consulted with an attorney. The insurance claims adjuster is protecting the interests of the insurance company and may seek ways to minimize the settlement amount or get your claim denied. At G. Dallas Horton and Associates, we offer free consultations, so feel free to contact us today.
Do Not Let The Adjuster Record You
The insurance adjuster may ask you to give a statement, and possibly even record your statement. Do not do this! A recorded statement submitted as evidence in court is difficult to dispute. Knowingly being recorded may cause you to be nervous and make statements that could cause the insurance company to deny your claim or reduce the settlement amount.
Politely let the adjuster know that at this time you are not prepared to make a statement. Get the adjuster’s name and contact number, and let them know you will be in touch at the appropriate time.
Take Notes When Speaking With The Insurance Adjuster
It is important for you to take notes of the conversation with the insurance adjuster. Make sure you have the adjuster’s name and contact information. Also write down any dollar amount offered by the insurance adjuster or specific statements the insurance adjuster makes about your claim.
Remember if you have been severely injured you should seek representation.
