After a car wreck or other accident that results in a personal injury you should expect a few phone calls. Knowing what to say to insurance adjuster after car accident in Tennessee can make a big difference in your claim. This article discusses how to talk with insurance adjusters, what to say and what you should not discuss during the first post car accident phone call. The adjuster has these conversations every day. This may be your first and hopefully your last car accident injury claim.
If you are not at fault and are injured then this information is imperative to understand. Remember, you are not required to speak to anyone until consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Call car accident lawyer George Angelopoulos at 615-422-7171 or start your FREE CONSULTATION now.
Be Calm & Polite
Knowing how to talk with an insurance adjuster is just as important as knowing what to say. They did not cause the accident. Don’t be mad at the adjuster. You may be angry about the car wreck and your injuries, but taking it out on the adjuster only hurts you more. Most people do not treat adjusters with kindness therefore your goodwill can pay off in a few ways: Promptly assuming liability, Trusting your version of the story or offering candid advice. The best adjusters may suggest calling a car accident lawyer. This is the best advice you will receive and should follow it if this come up in your conversation. Being nice and treating the adjuster with respect makes it easy for them to actually want to help your situation.
Identify the Caller
At the start of every discussion be sure you know the name, address, insurance company name, involved party they represent, claim number and phone number of the representative. You are at the beginning of a long, complex and sometimes frustrating insurance claims process. As your claim develops knowing who you spoke with and easily being able to return contact can reduce stress.
Provide Basic Information
Be prepared to give your full name, address, marital status and telephone number. You can provide your employer’s name and your title, but there is no reason to discuss income, physical aspects or job schedule. At some point in time you will be required to provide your social security number. This allows the insurance company to notify Medicare of your claim as this is required per Federal law before settlement. George does not recommend providing your SSN on the first call because this also allows the insurance company to perform a more detailed investigation on your personal life. The more outside information the insurance company has the higher likelihood that information work against your settlement value.
Only Discuss Facts
Only talk about basic facts: where, when, the type of accident, the vehicles involved and the identity of any witnesses. It is OK to let them know your investigation is ongoing and you will discuss everything further at the right time. This is when you should be talking with car accident attorneys who can advise on whether their services can help your case. to learn more see Dealing With An Insurance Adjuster After A Tennessee Car Accident.
Do Not Discuss Injuries
The car accident insurance adjuster wants to know about your injuries. Do not give a detailed description and do not sign a medical release. Some car accident injuries show up later, you might leave something out or your injury may be worse than originally thought. If you went to the hospital after the car wreck then tell them that fact. When asked ‘what did the doctor say’ advise them you are still identifying and treating injuries. Let the know you do not have the medical records, but when you have them will share the records. Medical care is an important part of your car accident injury case.
Take Notes
The adjuster is taking notes and you should too. Knowing what to say to insurance adjuster after car accident and recalling the conversation are both important. Just after or even during the call write down all the information you received and what information you provided. Document any planned followup or pending items that were discussed on the phone call.
Do Not Settle Immediately
Fast settlements are small settlements. Insurance adjusters sometimes make a settlement offer on the first or second call. Quick settlements save the insurance company time and reduce their risk when your injury turns out to be much worse than expected. Don’t bite. A fast settlement may be tempting, but you are almost certainly not getting a full and fair value. We are happy to discuss your situation. There are some cases where you may only be entitled to a small amount of compensation.
Do Not Give Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters will request a recorded statement about how the accident happened. Politely refuse a recorded statement. Tell them you are not comfortable with recording the call. Advise when your information is complete you will provide a written statement. Most people tense up when they are being recorded. Forgetting to say important information, or being confusing or incomplete could hurt your car accident injury claim. A verbal statement is almost never as precise as a written statement you will later provide. It can be nearly impossible later to correct or expand on what you have said in a recording.
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If you are searching for what to say to insurance adjuster after Tennessee car accident then George can help. We handle the conversations, preserve the evidence and hold at fault parties accountable by demanding fair monetary compensation under Tennessee injury law. Call 615-422-7171 and George can get started today!
