It is imperative that your report your car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident to your insurance company as soon as you can after being involved in an auto accident. As soon as you report your accident, your insurance adjuster will open an insurance claim, which will include asking you dozens of questions about the crash. Here are some tips for dealing with your insurance company after being involved in an auto accident.
Stick to the Facts and the Basics
Your insurance adjuster will ask you to provide an account of what happened. First, do not agree to give a recorded statement unless you are being represented by a Ventura auto injury law firm. Second, when you do provide your account of what happened, stick to the facts and the basics; do not provide details that your insurance adjuster does not need to know. Make sure you answer questions honestly, and never exaggerate or hyperbolize. If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say that you do not know rather than making up an answer.
Do Not Admit Fault
You should never admit fault when dealing with an insurance adjuster. This includes saying things such as, “This would have never happened if I wouldn’t have…” or, “I’m sorry…” or, “I feel terrible about…” Even if you did contribute to the accident, this is information that should only be shared with your personal injury attorney.
Be Prepared to Reject a First Settlement Offer
It can be tempting to accept an initial settlement offer; after all, who doesn’t want to get the money they are owed and wipe their hands of the settlement process? However, accepting a first settlement offer is rarely in your best interests, as most insurance adjusters offer less than your claim is really worth the first go around. Make sure you show the offer to your attorney, who can advise you prior to accepting it. In most cases, you will want to reject the offer and negotiate for a higher amount.
Remember that even if the offer doesn’t seem fair, you should still be polite. Getting angry or treating an insurance adjuster with disrespect is never a smart move.
Hire a Ventura Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring a trial attorney who is ready to take your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached after an accident involving a motor vehicle is a smart idea. At the Quirk Law Firm, LLP, attorney Trevor Quirk and our accident lawyers in Ventura are prepared to fight for you. To learn more about how we can represent you when dealing with an insurance adjuster, contact us today online for a free consultation.
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Ventura, California 93003
Phone: 805-650-7778
