After a personal injury accident, one of the first phone calls many people get is from an insurance adjuster. Our Raleigh, NC personal injury lawyer knows that this might seem like a routine step, but it’s important to be prepared before you talk with them. What you say can affect the outcome of your claim, and in some cases, it can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. We’ve seen how insurance companies handle these conversations. Their goal is to protect their bottom line, not to protect you. That’s why we believe it’s important for anyone dealing with an injury claim to know a few key things before speaking with an adjuster. We offer 24/7 live call answering, so don’t hesitate to speak with us today about the legal process behind your claim.
You’re Not Required To Give A Recorded Statement Right Away
Insurance adjusters often ask for a recorded statement soon after the accident. While this might sound reasonable, you are not legally required to provide one immediately. It’s okay to take your time and review your situation first. In fact, we recommend not giving a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first. What you say on that recording can be used later to challenge your claim.
Stick To Basic Facts Only
If you do speak with an adjuster, keep the conversation short and stick to basic facts. You can confirm your name, the date of the accident, and where it happened—but avoid going into details about what caused the accident or how you’re feeling. Saying something like “I’m feeling better” or “I’m not that hurt” can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious, even if that’s not the full picture.
Do Not Guess Or Speculate
If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s better to say “I’m not sure” than to guess. Speculating about what happened or why can lead to inconsistencies that could hurt your claim later. If you make a statement that turns out to be incorrect, the insurance company may use that to question your credibility.
Be Careful When Discussing Injuries
After an accident, injuries can change over time. Some symptoms may not show up right away. For that reason, it’s important not to make blanket statements like “I’m fine” or “I wasn’t hurt.” If your condition changes after you’ve made that statement, it could create issues in your claim. It’s better to say that you’re still receiving medical treatment and don’t have a full diagnosis yet.
Don’t Accept A Quick Settlement
Insurance companies sometimes offer quick settlements in the days following an accident. These offers are often much lower than what the claim is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you usually give up the right to ask for more money later—even if your injuries get worse. We always recommend reviewing any offer carefully before accepting it.
Talk With A Lawyer Before Moving Forward
There’s nothing wrong with asking for time before answering questions or signing anything. In fact, it’s often the best move. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand what your claim may be worth and handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf. They can help gather evidence, like police records or witness statements.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident and need help handling the insurance process, we’re here for you. Contact Burton Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll take the time to listen, review your case, and help you move forward with confidence.