5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Talking to Insurance Adjusters After an Injury

I’m Not Hurt, or I’m Fine

Perhaps the most common trap is saying “I’m fine,” following an accident. Most insurance adjusters call after the collision to ask about your current state. This is a trap because the body is flooded with adrenaline after a collision, masking your pain until later on. Additionally, common accident injuries such as concussions, whiplash, or soft tissue damage don’t show symptoms for days or even weeks. The best option is to refrain from talking to insurance adjusters and hire a personal injury attorney to handle any negotiations.

I Guess… or I Think…. (Speculation)

A common question that insurance adjusters usually ask is “How fast were you going, or what time did the impact happen?” Many victims fall into this trap and respond by speculating rather than giving precise answers. Even if it is human nature to want to answer, guesses can contradict the evidence from the black box in your truck or the police report. This uncertainty gives insurance adjusters the ammunition to destroy your credibility and lower or deny your compensation. If you are not a 100% on the details of your collision, don’t respond. A professional truck accident attorney can respond quickly and file a spoliation letter to preserve evidence and build a strong case in your favor.

Yes, You Can Take My Statement

Insurance adjusters are quick to record statement claiming it will expedite the compensation process. However, this is not usually the case, as accident victims are not legally required to give recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters carefully design the recordings to get you to contradict yourself. The reality is that once your voice is recorded, it becomes evidence that can be used against you. A truck accident attorney can advise you on your rights and ensure you don’t engage adjusters unless it’s necessary for the case.

I’ll Accept that Offer

After an accident, you juggle lost wages, mounting medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. Insurance adjusters know that you are pressed for cash, and often push settlements within days to lower the payout. Once you accept an offer on record and sign a release form, your claim can’t be reopened. You can’t go back after several months or years and ask for more money because of emerging medical needs. The most effective way to avoid being lowballed is to let a personal injury lawyer handle your case immediately you are involved in an accident.

Navigating a personal injury claim is not a “walk in the park” if you don’t know the rules. At Jingozian Law Group, we aim to level the playing field. When you hire our firm, we ensure an experienced personal injury attorney handles all the communication to protect you from saying the wrong thing. Contact us today and let us handle insurance companies on your behalf.