When Insurance Adjusters And Police Cross Paths: A Collaborative Investigation

After an accident, the last thing you want is to be hassled by insurance companies. Unfortunately, this is often unavoidable, and you will likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster, whose job it is to review claims and determine how much money their company should pay out. While they may seem friendly, it's important to remember that they are not on your side and will try to get you to accept a low settlement. So, what should you do if an insurance adjuster calls? Do you have to talk to them? And what should you say? This guide will give you an idea of what to expect and how to handle the situation.

You are not legally obliged to speak to an adjuster from another insurance company

In most states, you are not legally obliged to speak to an adjuster from another insurance company. If you feel uncomfortable speaking with another insurance company's representative, you have the right to decline. Alternatively, you can ask them to contact the adjuster from your insurance company, or inform them that you will only speak in the presence of your lawyer.

It is important to note that insurance companies are aware of this and will likely call you anyway. Their primary goal is to pay out as little money as possible, and they will try to trick you into providing evidence that the accident was your fault or that your injuries are minor or non-existent. They will also try to get you to accept a quick, low settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries and damages.

• Remain calm and polite.
• Identify the person you are speaking with by getting their name, phone number, and email address, as well as the name of the insurance company and the person or business they are covering.
• Provide only limited personal information, such as your full name, address, and phone number. You can also share your employment details but avoid discussing your daily activities, work schedule, or income.
• Do not provide details about the accident or your injuries. You can share basic information such as when and where it happened, the vehicles involved, and the identity of witnesses. Inform them that your investigation is ongoing and you will discuss the facts at a later time.
• Refuse to give recorded statements or written statements, as these can be used against you to undermine your claim.
• Do not admit fault or say that you are not hurt, as this can damage your case.
• Only answer the questions asked and avoid providing additional information.
• Be honest and straightforward, but protect your interests.
• Consult with a personal injury lawyer if you have any concerns or need advice.

Insurance adjusters are trained to make you think they're friendly

Insurance adjusters are trained to be friendly and approachable. They do this to get claimants to open up and tell them more than they need to, so they can use it against them. They want claimants to let their guard down so that they might end up making statements that hurt their case.

Adjusters work for insurance companies and their goal is to ensure claimants receive as little money as possible for their settlement. They are not your friends and they will use various tactics to reduce your final settlement. They are trained in active listening and will use your words against you to devalue your case. They will ask questions to obtain information that the insurance company could potentially use later to try to minimise payment or deny a claim altogether.

Adjusters will try to get claimants to admit fault, even partial fault, to reduce the amount of money the insurance company has to pay out. They will also try to record claimants so that they can use any statements against them.

It is best to hire a lawyer to deal with insurance adjusters and insurance companies.

They will try to use your statements against you

It's important to remember that insurance adjusters are trained professionals who are looking for any statements or actions that can be used against you to reduce their client's liability or deny your claim. While they may sound friendly, their job is to pay out as little money as possible and they will use any information you give them to do so.

• You are not legally required to speak to an adjuster from the other driver's insurance company. If you do choose to speak to them, be polite and stay calm, but provide only limited personal information. Give them your full name, address, and phone number if necessary, but do not volunteer any details about the accident, your injuries, or your insurance claims.
• Do not give a recorded statement or sign any medical authorization forms. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to give a recorded statement, but you are not legally obligated to do so, and it is against the law for them to record you without your permission. Recorded statements can be used against you if your claim goes to trial, as they can be difficult to correct or expand upon later.
• Do not admit fault or say that you are not hurt. Even if you are unsure who was to blame for the accident, never admit responsibility, as this can seriously damage your claim. In the days following an accident, your body may be producing a lot of adrenaline, which can mask more serious injuries. Wait until you have had a proper medical examination before discussing your injuries.
• Only answer the question asked. Insurance adjusters will try to engage you in a friendly chat, but their primary goal is to trick you into giving evidence that can be used against you. Do not discuss the accident, your injuries, or your opinion of the situation.
• Never agree to a settlement over the phone or sign anything. Insurance adjusters will try to push you into accepting a quick and low settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries and how much your claim is worth.
• Speak to a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can guide you through the process and protect you from common pitfalls. They will know what to say to the insurance adjuster to get you the compensation you deserve.

They will try to get you to accept a quick, low settlement

After an accident, insurance adjusters will try to get you to accept a quick, low settlement. This is because their primary goal is to pay out as little money as possible. They will try to contact you soon after the accident, before you have had time to assess the extent of your injuries and damages. They may also try to get you to say something that implies you were at fault for the accident.

• You are not legally required to speak to an adjuster from another insurance company. You can decline to talk to them, ask them to call the adjuster from your insurance company, or tell them you will only speak in the presence of your lawyer.
• Do not give them any detailed descriptions about the accident, your injuries, or what you think of the situation.
• Do not admit fault or say that you are not hurt. Adrenaline can mask more serious injuries, and it is important to wait until you have fully healed to assess the extent of your injuries.
• Do not agree to a settlement over the phone or sign anything. A settlement is a binding contract, and you cannot negotiate after you accept it.
• Do not let them record you or give a written statement. They will use any inconsistencies between your statements to undermine your claim.
• Only answer the question asked. Do not volunteer additional information.
• If you are unsure, consult a lawyer.

You should never admit fault or say you are not hurt

Admitting fault after a car accident can have serious implications for your ability to claim compensation. Even if you believe you are at fault, there may be other factors at play that contributed to the accident, such as defective brakes or an impaired driver. Admitting fault can also hurt your personal injury claim and increase your insurance premiums.

It's important to remember that you are not legally required to admit fault, even if you are clearly responsible for the accident. Instead, you should avoid speaking with the insurance company and let your attorney handle all communication.

• Avoid polite apologies.
• Stick to objective details when speaking to the police and avoid offering opinions or speculating.
• Do not talk to insurance adjusters without a lawyer present.
• Only give limited personal information, such as your name, address, phone number, and employment details.
• Do not give details about the accident or your injuries.
• Refuse to give recorded statements, as these can be used against you.
• Do not accept an early settlement, as it is likely to be lower than what you are owed.

Remember, insurance adjusters are trained to get you to accept a lower settlement and protect their company's interests. By following these tips and seeking legal representation, you can protect yourself and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Frequently asked questions