Beyond simply recovering physically and handling medical bills, there is the added stress of trying to figure out how to deal with insurance adjusters after an accident in Seattle. Interactions with adjusters can be tricky because the adjuster will look for any inconsistencies or evidence of fault on your part so that they do not have to pay out as much for your injuries.
Always remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and their bottom line is the most important motivating factor for them. Watch out for your own best interests by doing the following when dealing with insurance adjusters after your accident.
Stay organized.
Immediately after your accident, you should begin compiling a file with any paperwork, documentation, and records related to your accident and damages. Aside from official paperwork, you should also keep personal records about all doctor visits and medications, lost time at work, and journal entries about your injuries and how they affect your quality of life.
You should also make a record detailing all correspondence you have with the insurance companies, especially the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This includes letters sent in the mail, emails, and especially phone conversations with an insurance adjuster. Whenever you speak to the adjuster, you should take notes on the following details:
- The time and date when you spoke with the insurance adjuster(s)
- With whom you spoke
- Specific details about what you discussed
Remember to speak with an attorney before speaking with the adjuster.
You may be unaware of this, but you can put off talking to an insurance adjuster until you have discussed your claim with an attorney. This is one way to be sure that you do not give them any information that can later come back to haunt you. If you choose not to work with an accident attorney, be very careful when offering any information to the adjusters.
When answering the adjuster’s questions, it is imperative that you stick to the facts, and only provide information pertaining to the questions asked. If you are not sure about an answer, just say you do not know; do not ever guess or speculate.
The only things you should ever discuss with an insurance company employee are facts such as:
- Who was involved in the accident
- The nature of the accident (rear end, t-bone, etc.)
- When the accident happened
- Where it happened
Veering away from the facts of the case cannot ever help your claim. Instead, this can only discredit your claims, negate your evidence, and hurt your chances at a fair settlement. Do not offer any opinions about what factors might have contributed to the accident. In addition to sticking to the facts, always remain calm, confident, and polite in your answers.
Stay off social media.
Be careful about what you post online, even if it has nothing to do with your accident. For example, if you are filing an injury claim for a back injury and you post a picture carrying your nephew, the adjuster can use that against you and claim you are falsifying or exaggerating your injuries.
Review your insurance policy before talking to an adjusteter.
It might seem simple, but knowing exactly what you are legally entitled to per your insurance policy terms is important in knowing how to handle an insurance claims adjuster, and can help when it comes time for a settlement offer. Car insurance adjusters may take advantage of people who are not quite sure what their policy means or how much they can recover in the event of an accident.
Be prepared with details about your policy, including your coverage types and limits, so you know your rights under your insurance contract.
Speak with an attorney.
An attorney can be one of your best resources when it comes to dealing with an insurance adjuster and will be the person on your side who knows how to handle insurance claims adjusters.
At Max Meyers Law PLLC, our car accident attorneys know how important it is that you get the compensation you need for your injuries and damages to property. If you need help recovering the money you deserve after an accident, we are ready to help.
To get started fighting back against the insurance company, contact us now at 425-399-7000 or use our contact form to set up a consultation.
