If you have been injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. But, this will also mean speaking with the other party’s insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are notoriously sneaky and are not looking out for your best interests. As a result, it is important to know what to expect when speaking with an insurance adjuster after an accident.
What to Know Before Speaking With Insurance Adjusters?
Some of the most common things to look out for include:
- Lowball offers
- Insurance adjusters know that car accident victims are vulnerable and are likely facing expensive and mounting costs. As a result, they offer an extremely low settlement in the hopes that you will take it in order to pay off your expenses right away. Generally, you should never accept a first offer.
- Ignoring you
- If you reject their first offer, the company may ignore you. You should not simply wait to hear back from them. They are ignoring you in the hopes that the statute of limitations will pass and you will no longer be able to sue them. It is important that you do not let this happen. Generally, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania is two years.
- Downplaying or denying your injuries
- In many cases, insurance adjusters will claim that you are not as injured as you say you are. Other times, they will argue that you are not injured at all and are attempting to commit fraud. They do this in order to avoid including medical expenses in your settlement offer. To combat this, it is vital that you keep detailed records of your doctor visits, treatments, and medical expenses.
- Twisting your words
- Often, insurance adjusters will ask tricky questions in order to get the answer they are hoping for. Your words can be twisted and used against you. As a result, it is important that you do not answer any questions without an experienced attorney.
- Suggesting an autobody shop
- If an insurance company suggests an autobody shop, you do not legally have to go. Often, insurance companies have arrangements with autobody shops. Instead, you should go to a reputable body shop near you.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you likely have a lot on your plate. Don’t let dealing with insurance adjusters add to your stress. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to advocate for you.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM
Friedman Schuman Layser is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman Layser today to schedule a consultation.