It can be a daunting situation when you have an accident, and it comes time to talk to the insurance company. It would help if you learned how to scare the insurance adjusters and make sure you get a fair offer to resolve your problem.
Remember that insurance companies are for-profit entities; the more money they have to pay for you, the less their profits will be. Therefore, they will always seek to settle claims quickly for the least amount of money possible.
Scare insurance adjusters with these tips
It would help if you remembered that the insurance adjuster would constantly try to get you to assume some fault so that they could give you the least amount of compensation. To achieve this, they will first be nice and friendly to you.
They will start the conversation casually to evaluate important information and use it to their advantage; at a certain point in the discussion, they will make you an offer stating that it is the best solution for you.
If you have been in an accident where someone else is responsible for the damages, compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and suffering could be at stake if you allow yourself to be misled by the adjuster.
Have a knowledgeable personal injury attorney
You need a legal professional to help you understand the steps you need to take; adjusters think twice before giving you less than what you are entitled to when you have legal representation.
Adjusters will try to minimize the importance of hiring a lawyer; try not to be persuaded; a personal injury lawyer will not affect your compensation. On the contrary, they will try to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Let the attorney be the intermediary
To scare the insurance adjuster, you need to send all the information to your attorney and let them give you the right answers. Do not sign any documents until the attorney has verified them and you have been given the go-ahead to proceed with the signature.
Try not to answer any of the questions without the consent of your lawyer; even if they seem harmless doubts, they can be decisive in the resolution of your case.
Document the entire process
Any step or decision taken must be in your record; it is your main evidence to back up your claim and get the compensation you deserve. Keep all receipts, prescriptions, medical appointments, and other related documents.
Send copies of all important documents to your attorney. Furthermore, try to make medical appointments with a health care professional who knows your pre-accident medical condition.
The process will validate the changes that occurred due to the accident. Having all the necessary documentation effectively scares the insurance adjuster; it is difficult to settle for less than you deserve with all the evidence.
Remember that the first offer is not the final offer
The adjuster will make you an offer claiming it is the most you can get, but this is not true. Do not accept anything and go to your attorney to learn about all the offers available and choose the one that can give you the best results.
Negotiate properly with your insurance adjuster
With all the above said, do not take it as a solution to be defensive with the adjuster; on the contrary, try to negotiate with him to reach the best resolution. That could help you to get significant compensation.
Formally file the claim
After the accident, you cannot overlook filing a claim with the insurance company. The claim will put your situation on record for evaluation.
Get your documents in order and have them at hand
You should submit photographs of the accident, medical bills, medical reports, witness statements, police reports, repair estimates, and all documents that may be relevant to the case.
To make a successful claim, you need to have as much evidence as possible to get the compensation that fits the situation.
File the insurance claim letter
The letter of claim contains the estimated amount you expect to obtain for the injuries, losses, and medical expenses you have had after the accident. The process is done by showing the documents that support the amount requested.
Don’t accept the first offer
The time for negotiation begins at this point; the first offer will always be for much less compensation than requested. Even if it is presented as the best offer, you should always reject it.
It is the right time to leave everything in your lawyer’s hands, who will be in charge of reaching the best agreement and obtaining the highest compensation.