Posted on Monday, October 23rd, 2017 at 6:39 am
You may have heard or read that you cannot trust an insurance adjuster for the other driver for various reasons. The truth is that most insurance adjusters are honest men and women performing their job duties. They are not “out to get you” or deprive you of the money you deserve for an accident claim. However, the adjuster works for the insurance provider, and the insurance provider does not make money by paying large insurance claims.
Therefore, to perform their job, adjusters do put the best interest of the company before your best interests. The same applies if you hire a Sacramento personal injury attorney — your attorney will work to protect your best interests.
Even though adjusters are just doing their job, there are some things that you should be aware of before you attempt to work directly with the adjuster to settle your claim.
You Don’t Have to Provide a Written or Recorded Statement
It is not in your best interest to submit a statement to the insurance company. If you need to file a lawsuit to settle your claim, anything you say in your statement can be used against you in court. For example, if you contradict yourself during your testimony, the attorney for the insurance company might try to use your statement to question your testimony. You might be required to provide sworn testimony during a deposition at some point if you file a lawsuit; however, you will then have an attorney to provide counsel and guidance.
You Don’t Have to Sign a Medical Release Form for the Insurance Company
The adjuster may tell you that he needs a medical release form to obtain copies of your medical records to verify your injuries. While the company will require copies of medical records, you don’t have to provide a release. You can provide copies of the relevant records to the company instead of allowing the company to request those records. In many cases, the medical release you sign for the company is not limited to accident records. The company hopes to find information about a previous accident or injury it can use to claim that the crash did not cause your current injury. It is best to wait until you have consulted with an attorney before signing any documents for the adjuster.
You Don’t Have to Accept the First Offer
The adjuster may make a quick offer to settle your claim, especially if the adjuster determines your claim may be much higher. To avoid paying a much higher amount later, the adjuster will offer a lower amount now. Don’t be fooled by this offer. You need to wait until you know the full extent of your injuries and damages before you accept an offer. Never settle a claim until after your doctor has released you. You also need a statement from your physician regarding any permanent damage.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys
Being injured in a traffic accident is a traumatic event. Dealing with an insurance claim can be overwhelming while you are trying to recover from injuries. Let our accident attorneys deal with the adjuster for you. Let us protect your best interests while we work to recover a fair and just amount for your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Sacramento personal injury attorney, call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website.
