A car accident is stressful, and navigating the claims process is often overwhelming. Insurance adjusters play a critical role in determining how much money you receive.
Talking to your own insurer’s adjuster after a crash may seem harmless. Our team of experts wants you to understand the importance of those conversations with the adjuster, and he or she uses the information you provide to value your claim. Become familiar with the role of the adjuster and how speaking to one too soon may impact your claim.
The duties of an adjuster
You may have paid the insurance company thousands in premiums over many years and never had an accident. You may expect the money you need for repairs and medical attention to come without reservations. The claims process may move slowly, depending on the details of the crash. Your claim will have an adjuster assigned who you will speak to and give information on the crash and the aftermath. The adjuster gathers police reports, witness statements and medical bills. The adjuster then takes all of the information and comes up with a figure the insurer will pay you in damages. The process works the same way with the other insurer involved.
The recorded statement
The first thing an adjuster wants to do is get your version of events down on the record. This is the purpose of a recorded statement. Some questions may seem relevant, while others may not. You may become confused and inadvertently give incorrect information. Unfortunately, it is difficult to undo what you say during this statement without seeming to provide false information. If you suffered an injury, you may want to hold off on the recorded statement until you feel better to avoid giving incorrect information.
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