How to Handle an Insurance Claims Adjuster

Few things compare to the shock of being involved in a truck accident. You may be happy to leave the accident with your life intact. Unfortunately, that might not be the last of your troubles. You still need to work with an insurance adjuster if there is any hope of getting a reasonable compensation to cater for your injuries. And that requires some insight into dealing with an insurance claims adjuster to increase your chances of getting sufficient remuneration. Here are some tips for handling an insurance adjuster:

Gather all necessary evidence and preserve it

Your case will only be successful if you have sufficient evidence on your side. The issue is that most evidence in a truck crash case tends to be perishable. You, therefore, need to be quick in collecting the evidence after an accident. Take photos of the accident scene and collect potential witnesses’ names and contact details. Have a detailed account of the accident. It is best to write it down. That way, you will not forget any crucial details. It will be easier to go over your case with the adjuster when you have all the necessary pieces of evidence.

Understand that the adjuster does not have your best interest at heart

The insurance adjusters are loyal to the people that pay them. And that happens to be the insurance companies. Insurance companies are businesses like any other, and their main goal is to make money. That means that they will not sleep on an opportunity to pay less money. Lesser payments equal more profit for them. Keep your guard up when dealing with the insurance claims adjuster.
They may act friendly, but that does not mean that you have similar interests or a common goal. Be wary of any tips an insurance adjuster offers lest you risk compromising your claim. What looks like help from an adjuster’s end could be a tactic to get you to let your guard down.

Watch what you say

In most cases, an insurance adjuster will want to get your account of the accident. They may front it as checking the facts of the claim. You may be gullible and think they only need you to shed some light on the case. But nothing could be further from the truth. More often than not, the insurance adjuster has a sufficient understanding of the accident and the nature and severity of your damages and injuries.
Watch everything you say to an adjuster because it may ruin your case. Understand that it is not your job to help them gather the facts. Keep your statement neutral and concise to avoid saying the wrong things and implicating yourself. Do not answer any question you do not feel comfortable answering. Do not give estimates or suppose when making statements.

Hire an attorney

Instead of worrying yourself sick about saying the wrong things to an adjuster, a better alternative would be getting an attorney to represent you. A professional attorney will know the right things to say and how to navigate negotiations with the adjuster or you can also visit this website to know more about how professional attorneys work. With an attorney, you can relax knowing they have your best interest. If you were in a truck accident, search for a truck accident attorney near me to help you fight for your rights. Pick a top attorney who will help you get the best outcome from the negotiations with the insurance adjuster. They will also be better at seeing through any tricks the adjuster throws their way.

Do not feel the pressure to sign a medical release

The insurance claim adjuster may ask you to sign a medical release. And signing the medical release forms allows the insurance company to access your medical information. The insurance company could use the records to find any pre-existing conditions that they can use to reduce or refuse your claim. Ensure that you consult your attorney before agreeing to sign the medical release or any other document.

Understand that insurance settlements are forever

You need to understand that once you sign a settlement document, you cannot go back to change it even if you incur additional losses later. Avoid getting into settlement agreements too soon. Wait until you have the whole picture of your medical needs and lost income before negotiating for a compensation amount. Once again, your attorney should be able to help you evaluate your damages and suggest the most favourable compensation for your damages and injuries.

Final remarks

Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators. Their job entails settling a claim in a manner that favours the insurance companies they are behind. They will therefore use all negotiation techniques in the books to get you to fold and admit something that is not in your best interest. Your best bet is getting a professional lawyer to represent you. An attorney will know the right things to say and have negotiation acumen matching the insurance adjusters.