Your first thoughts after an accident may not be about talking to an insurance adjuster. Chances are, though, you will hear from one soon after. When the phone rings, consider the following tips when answering.
1. Stay calm and polite
It’s normal to feel nervous. You might even feel defensive when talking to an insurance adjuster. But if you do answer their calls, be respectful. We still strongly encourage you to talk to an attorney before talking to anyone from an insurance company.
2. Get the adjuster’s name and contact information immediately
Talking to an insurance adjuster can be disorienting. You might be so worried about saying the right thing that you miss one crucial step. Make sure you know who is asking you questions. Ask for their name, phone number, and the name of their employer. You might need this information later.
3. Give very limited information
If you answer their questions, do not volunteer any information. The less you say, the less they can potentially use against you. Don’t lie – just keep answers short and sweet.
4. Don’t discuss the details of the accident
When talking with an insurance adjuster, they will ask some preliminary questions about you. Then, the adjuster might ask how the accident happened. You can say you do not want to speak about this until you talk to your attorney. The adjuster might not like your answer, but it is the safest one for you.
And remember that the insurance adjuster does not work for you.
5. Don’t discuss your injuries yet
Here is another line of questioning that you probably should avoid. When asked about your injuries, don’t immediately say you are okay or that you were not injured. Again, don’t lie. Just say you need to talk to an attorney first.
6. Take notes during or after the call
Writing down what happens during the phone interview can do two things: keep you focused on your answers and help you remember what the adjuster said.
7. Set some limits
Talking to an insurance adjuster can take time out of your busy day. It’s okay to say that you can only talk for a few minutes or that it’s not a good time to talk. We mentioned several other ways to set limits earlier in this article. Telling the adjuster you need to speak with your attorney before answering any questions is another way of setting limits for the adjuster.
8. Resist pressure to settle immediately
The insurance company might quickly offer you a settlement. You might be tempted to take the money. However, remember that the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, and the insurance company is in business to make money. Your attorney can assess your case, consider any settlement offers, and help you decide whether to negotiate further or not.
9. Don’t let them record you
Recorded interviews given when talking to an insurance adjuster could contain slight inconsistencies that could be used against you.
10. Get an attorney first
We’ve already mentioned this final tip, but it really is important. Your personal injury lawyer uses experience and training to assess your case. Also, your attorney can take over the task of talking to an insurance adjuster about your accident.
