After the victim of an accident has filed a claim against an insurance company, the insurer assigns the case to one of the company’s adjusters. That same insurance adjuster then contacts the person that submitted the claim.
Actions to be taken by the claimant that gets the adjuster’s call
• Get the name of the caller and the name of the company that has employed that same adjuster/caller.
• Share only the most basic information, regarding the accident and the reported injuries. No need to share any details, regarding your employment.
• Do not agree to provide the insurance company with a statement.
Prepare responses to a couple of the adjuster’s possible questions
If the adjuster asks whether or not there were any witnesses, be ready to give this response: There may have been witnesses. As a follow-up to that comment, offer to provide the names and contact numbers for the witnesses on a future date. Do not be afraid to ask the inquirer/adjuster what he/she knows about any witnesses.
If the adjuster asks about your injuries, say that you plan to continue receiving treatment for your injuries. This comment suggests that your body is recovering slowly from your injury. Obviously, no claimant should have to share with any adjusters the sort of comments that a physician might enter into a medical report. Thus, it is best to hire the services of a good injury lawyer in Dublin so that they can deal with the insurance company, on your behalf.
Advice to keep in mind, when speaking with adjuster
Be polite
Do not throw accusations at the person that has called you. On the other hand, stand ready to fight any of the adjuster’s unproven accusations.
Be patient, if you have been promised a piece of information. Wait several days before calling to see if the same piece of information has been located.
Be persistent. Do not hesitate to inquire about a piece of information that you have been promised. Realize, too, that when you ask for some fact, then the adjuster’s excuse for asking you a question has been created. Do not be surprised if an adjuster questions the severity of your injuries. That is a common tactic, one that is used by many adjusters.
Do not be in a hurry to settle the dispute. Lawyers always urge their clients to delay negotiations until they have reached the point of maximum medical improvement. Avoid settling until you are sure that you will not be developing any new symptoms.
Remember that you know more about the accident in which you were injured than any of the adjusters that might take the time to contact you. Keep that fact in mind, when answering any of the adjuster’s calls. Remember, too, that adjusters lack any medical or legal training, regardless of their ability to suggest their possession of such valuable expertise.