Have you been involved in a car accident case in Pompano Beach? If it is your first time being in an accident, you might not have an idea of what to do or whom to speak with after the accident. Depending on the severity of the accident, the accident might have left you with significant injuries and property damage.
For those new to Florida, filing a lawsuit against the other driver might appear to be the likeliest way to cover the medical bills and property damage. However, Florida follows a pure comparative fault system. It means both parties involved in auto accidents are considered responsible for sharing the blame. Of course, it does not mean that the blame is shared equally by both motorists.
Instead of filing a lawsuit against the other driver, Florida’s no-fault system requires you to file a claim with your insurance company to seek reparations. Informing your insurance company of the accident is one of the first things you should do after an accident. It is crucial to remember the need to be careful with what you do when your insurance adjuster approaches you for details about your accident.
Today’s post will highlight some of the most important things to keep in mind when discussing your auto accident case with officials representing your insurance company.
The Insurance Company’s Investigation Process
Filing a claim with your insurance company is not merely a matter of letting them know about the accident and getting a settlement amount to cover the damages. The insurance company sends an insurance adjuster to investigate your claim to determine its liability and pays you a settlement accordingly.
The insurance adjuster starts a series of investigations in which they investigate your injuries, and the damage done to your car, and calculate how much the company is liable to pay you in compensation. Suppose that you suffered significant injuries in the accident. The insurance adjuster will ask you questions regarding the severity of your injuries and confirm whether the car accident was indeed the cause of those injuries. It means they can review your medical records.
Depending on the claim you make, you can expect the insurance adjuster to conduct an in-depth investigation to review several pieces of evidence, including the police report of the incident, your medical records, any videos or photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements.
The insurance adjuster might also review your social media platforms and call records to see if there is anything pointing toward insurance fraud. It is always better to have a trusted attorney present during such meetings to ensure that you do not end up providing anything more than you are legally obliged to in the investigation process.
Additionally, there are a few things you must avoid saying to your insurance adjuster during the investigation process.
Things You Should Never Say To The Insurance Adjuster
It is imperative that you think about what you should or shouldn’t say to the insurance adjuster before you even pick up the phone to call them. Saying the wrong things to the company’s representative can end up hurting your insurance claim, and you might have to accept a settlement amount lower than you rightfully deserve.
There are various words and phrases you should avoid saying to the insurance adjuster during the investigation process. Some of the major things to avoid include:
Any Admission Of Guilt
Most auto accidents are unavoidable and happen so fast that it is difficult to understand exactly how things happened. Some people tend to think that they could have done something to avoid it from happening. There might be a chance that you were partially at fault for causing the car wreck, but that is something you should keep to yourself or share only with your lawyer.
Saying anything to the insurance adjuster that resembles an admission of guilt in causing the accident can harm your case. Insurance adjusters look for statements that they can use against you. Even if you are likely not intentionally telling them that you caused the accident, it is never a good idea to admit to anything until it is clearly proven.
Telling Them That You Are Okay
Another trick your insurance adjuster might use to try and devalue or deny your claim is asking you how you feel. You might be feeling fine after being initially rattled by the accident. Perhaps you might be feeling much better by the time your insurance adjuster becomes involved. Or you could still be suffering but feel inclined to say that you are okay or feeling better if your insurance adjuster asks.
Remember that no matter how insignificant it might seem, the adjuster is looking for you to make a mistake like that. If you say anything in front of your insurance adjuster suggesting that you feel better or fine, they can use that against you when you need compensation to cover your medical bills.
Any Unnecessary Details
The best thing to do when speaking with your insurance adjuster is to avoid talking about anything more than absolutely necessary. Never go into unnecessary details when discussing your situation with the insurance adjuster unless your lawyer is present for the meeting.
Ideally, you should provide the most concise answers possible to your insurance adjuster for the questions they ask. There might be several details you do not remember about the accident. If the insurance adjuster asks you questions you are not sure about, you can tell them that you do not know.
Saying any “I think” or “I feel” statements that might end up being wrong can harm your case. There is always a chance that you misremembered certain details. If the facts from the investigation suggest that you remembered wrong, the insurance adjuster can use that against you when evaluating your settlement.
Stick to the facts you are sure about, nothing more.
Consider Speaking To Qualified Car Accident Attorneys Today
It is always possible to simply speak to your insurance adjuster and file a claim. However, doing so without the help lawyer by your side can lead to problems with your settlement amount. Being careful with what you say to your insurance adjuster and what you do throughout the investigation process is critical to ensuring that you are rewarded a settlement reflecting the damages you have incurred.
Insurance adjusters might wear the guise of someone eager to help you, but they are comparable to wolves in sheep’s clothing. Unlike an attorney, your insurance adjuster is constantly looking for anything they can use to reduce or outright deny your settlement. It is easy to slip up and say or do the wrong things when talking to your insurance adjuster, even after reading about the dos and don’ts of dealing with your insurance company.Ideally, you should work with qualified Pompano Beach car accident lawyers and let them handle negotiations with your insurance company and the other party’s legal team. Experienced car accident attorneys are well-versed with the ins and outs of Florida’s rules and regulations surrounding auto accident cases. Their bread and butter rely on ensuring the maximum possible payout for their clients.
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