What to Do If an Insurance Adjuster Calls After an Accident?

After a car accident, your phone will be ringing with calls from concerned family, friends, and doctors. While these people have your well-being in mind, another caller may not: an insurance adjuster. 

An insurance adjuster will call you within a few days of your accident. Without knowing what to say, one mistake could make it harder to collect compensation for your accident.

A motor vehicle accident attorney can guide you through this call. The insurance adjuster will be ready with a strategy, and so should you.

What To Expect When an Insurance Adjuster Calls

Insurance adjusters are responsible for every step of the claims process. They investigate claims, determine who was at fault for the accident, and see that the at-fault party makes their payment.

When an insurance adjuster calls, it might be your first instinct to dodge their number. However, answer them promptly. Otherwise, your insurance claim will take longer to process. The smartest approach is to make the call brief.

After picking up, your insurance adjuster will act friendly. They might try to express sympathy or make small talk. Don’t let your guard down. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance companies and have their interests in mind, not yours. 

Contact a motor vehicle accident attorney to ensure you’re ready for this call.

What To Do When an Insurance Adjuster Calls

Saying the wrong thing on the phone with an insurance adjuster could interfere with collecting fair compensation for your accident injuries. Find out vital dos and don’ts for insurance adjuster calls below.

DO Stick to the Facts

Never reveal more information than you need to an insurance adjuster. While you should be truthful about the details of the accident, you don’t need to share any more than the basic facts of the incident and resulting damages. All you need to share with them is:

• Your name
• Your number
• Your address
• When the accident occurred 
• Where the accident occurred

If they have further questions, direct them to your attorney.

DO NOT Admit Fault

The insurance adjuster may try to convince you to admit fault or partial fault. Pick your words carefully, as even something as simple as an apology can count as an admission of guilt.

DO Decline Their Request To Record the Call

The insurance adjuster may ask you for a recorded statement. You do not need to do so. Your insurance company can use anything you say in that statement against you, so it’s in your interest not to give one at all. 

DO Ask Questions

Remember that this is a conversation, not an interrogation. You have the right to ask questions, too. You can ask about your policy or how their claims process works. For example, you may ask:

• How much damage does this insurance policy cover?
• How long will it take for this claim to process?
• How are they calculating the estimate? 

DO NOT Give Up Your Medical Records

The insurance adjuster may ask you to release your medical records to them. These records determine the extent of your injuries. However, it’s a good idea to have your attorney review your records first. Don’t release your medical records to an insurance adjuster until you and your attorney review them.

Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

Communication with your insurance company is difficult to navigate. Let a professional take over. The motor vehicle accident attorneys from Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C., are here to help.

Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. passionately fights for injured parties to collect compensation. Serving New Mexico and  Texas, they have won millions of dollars in motor vehicle accident cases. 

Call 800-433-2408 to begin a case review today.