When you get hurt in a truck accident that was not your fault, you expect the trucking company's insurance to come through for you. Oftentimes, shortly after the crash, you will be approached by an insurance adjuster keen to hear your side of the story. If your case seems compelling, they may even offer you a settlement to cover the costs of your car repair and hospital bills.
However, talking to an insurance adjuster on your own can be a very bad idea. Here’s why.
Why You Shouldn’t Talk to an Adjuster Alone
Insurance adjusters are ordinary, hard-working people—they may be genuinely distraught to hear about your accident. However, do not think an adjuster’s kind words mean they are willing to assist you in your recovery. After all, the adjuster works for the insurance company, and the insurance company’s main priority is ensuring its profits.
If you say the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster—even something as simple as apologizing for the accident—they can and will use it against you, whether to reduce the value of your claim or deny it outright. It is important to understand that you are not obligated to speak to the insurance adjuster on their timeline, and you should never agree to provide a recorded statement without an attorney present.
When it comes time to start talking to the insurance company, tell them you have a personal injury attorney and that all communication should go through them.
The Importance of Insurance Negotiations
If a truck driver was at fault for causing a crash, you will need to deal with their insurance company at some point to get the compensation you deserve. This may come after negotiations, or it may come after litigation but, either way, you do not want to tackle it on your own. The last thing the insurance company wants you to do is to hire an experienced truck accident attorney. In fact, the adjuster may even tell you that getting a lawyer is a bad idea!
The truth is that insurance companies are afraid of people who have competent legal representation. They know that a lawyer won’t accept a bad settlement or let their client get lost in a web of red tape. Your personal injury attorney will negotiate with the adjuster and the insurance company so that you don’t have to.
|
Related Links: |
