Make New York Post a Preferred Source Engin Akyurt on Pexels The number of car crashes annually are declining, but the expenses after the crash are increasing. According to recently available accident data, the collective cost of all annual motor vehicle injuries in the United States totals over $559 billion.
Insurance carriers are aware of these facts, which is one reason that adjusters often call people who submit claims immediately. If you’re an accident victim who’s been hurt by the actions of another, you might appreciate their speediness. However, adjusters aren’t acting fast because they want you to get compensated. They’re often attempting to use the clock to get an advantage.
When an insurance adjuster calls you right away after an accident, it benefits the insurance carrier. You’re likely to be in an emotional state in the first few days after your crash. You may want to feel less overwhelmed, especially if you suffered any kind of physical or emotional injury. Consequently, you might accept a settlement offer in the moment, even if it’s much less than you could receive based on the trauma you experienced.
Another upside to contacting you soon after the accident relates to your emotional state of mind. It’s common for people who are under stress to make comments that could be used against them. For example, you might process the accident out loud while speaking with an adjuster and say that you may have been partly at fault or that you’re feeling better since the accident. Both those statements could be used against you later to prove that you deserve less in terms of restitution.
Is this sneaky? Perhaps, but it’s also completely legal. The adjuster has the right to call you, and you have the right to say whatever you want. But in the moment, you might not be thinking clearly, which gives the adjuster an advantage.
Adjusters may use their earliest phone call to request documentation they know you probably don’t have yet. This is designed to make you feel overloaded. Under stress, you might accept any offer the adjuster makes so you can move on with your life.
Given these realities, you might wonder what you can do to stay in control of your accident claim. To do this, there are several steps you can take immediately after an accident.
An adjuster has been through many accident cases. You (hopefully) haven’t. This is where you can bring in professional help.
Within about the first 24 hours after your crash, call a law firm. Look for a local firm that specializes in handling accident cases and has a good reputation for winning these kinds of cases. Many firms won’t charge you to have a conversation with their staff, so you’re not losing anything by making a call or setting an appointment.
As Missouri-based personal injury law firm Harper Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer notes, cases can become complicated quickly. You might not think you’re injured, but you could be facing unexpected future medical bills. A firm with experience working through complex injury cases can serve as an advocate. Lawyers can speak with adjusters and manage your claim (including in court if necessary) while you recover.
Whether or not you’ve picked a lawyer for your accident case, you should tell the insurance adjuster that you plan to review your legal options. At that point, the adjuster may try to tell you that you’ll receive less of a settlement if you work with a law firm. This is only partly true, so be careful because it’s a tactic that’s designed to make you think the adjuster is on your side.
The truth is the adjuster has no way of knowing how much you’ll actually receive from your settlement. Will a lawyer take a percentage of what you receive? Yes. But if the lawyer gets you a higher settlement offer than you would have received, you could receive an increased restitution to cover medical payments, property damage, lost wages and related costs. According to research, the average accident settlement that’s led by a lawyer is 3.5 times higher than similar settlements led by accident victims.
Once you’ve picked the right law firm, refer all adjuster calls to the firm’s number. Resist the temptation to talk with the adjuster or have discussions about your case if your lawyer isn’t present. The things you say to the adjuster might derail your case.
If the adjuster continues to call you, tell your lawyer. A reputable firm will have processes in place to handle aggressive adjusters.
The same goes for documentation. An adjuster might tell you that you should submit receipts, medical records or other information. Get advice from your lawyer before exposing personal items to an adjuster.
Accidents happen every day across the country, and most (fortunately) don’t cause injuries. Yet some do, and if you’re hurt, you may want to protect yourself and your interests. That means knowing how to handle phone calls from adjusters. Though adjusters may act like your friend, they’re not in your corner. That’s why it’s helpful to find someone who can be.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.
