Three Things to Avoid Saying to an Adjuster After an Accident

It is generally smart to speak with a good personal injury attorney before you ever talk with an insurance adjuster. A good attorney can guide you through the claims process and protect your interests. Inevitably, though, some people will go it alone. Lest they be bent over the barrel by insurance adjusters who aim to settle claims quickly and cheaply, it’s important for them to know what not to say to adjusters.

Who Are Insurance Adjusters?

Insurance adjusters are employees of insurance companies who work to investigate an insurance claim, determine how much their company should pay, and then settle the claim. It is the job of the insurance adjuster to weaken your claim so their company can reduce—perhaps to $0—the amount it pays you. While adjusters may seem considerate and kind, they want you to say the wrong thing—something that will decrease your financial recovery.

What You Should Be Wary of Saying to an Adjuster

In light of the insurance adjuster’s mission to reduce the amount their company must pay you, let’s look at three of the worst things you might say to the adjuster.

A Demand for a Specific Dollar Amount

In demanding a specific dollar amount, too many accident victims mark down their case’s value. You may think you know exactly how much you have lost, but there is a substantial chance you’re missing something. For example, the law allows compensation for future medical costs—but would you know how to calculate them? What about pain and suffering? Lost wages and benefits?

Something Negative About Your Actions

Adjusters are infamous for distorting the slightest negative statement into something that substantially weakens your case. You shouldn’t give an insurance adjuster any tools to deny your claim. Accordingly, you should avoid saying anything negative about your behavior.

Anything Untruthful

Some people may be tempted to lie to the adjuster, while others may distort the truth—for example, claiming a traffic light was green when they’re not 100% sure. When talking with an adjuster, you should absolutely avoid both distortions of the truth and outright lies. Either can significantly harm your case.

Get Legal Help

Big insurance companies did not become billion-dollar enterprises by being dumb or weak. They act to protect and further their own interests. As an accident victim, you deserve a level playing field. Hiring a personal injury firm can help you get it.

At Akorli Law Group, we’re dedicated to supporting you. We offer a free legal consultation. Let’s talk today.