What You Should Know Before the Insurance Adjuster Calls
According to Kentucky law, a person involved in an accident may be entitled to pursue fair compensation through an injury claim. After filing your claims, the insurance carrier will ask their claims adjuster to investigate the incident, evaluate your injuries and damages, and recommend a settlement amount. As a result, the insurance adjuster may call you asking for more details about your accident or injury. However, speaking with a claims adjuster without consulting with your attorney is never advisable to ensure that you don't hurt your case inadvertently.
Mr. Slechter and Mrs. Slechter have devoted their careers to advocating for the best interests of accident victims in their injury claims. As experienced Kentucky personal injury attorneys, they can assess every fact of your case and help you understand some of the things you should know before the claims adjuster calls. In addition, they will fight vigorously for your rights and help you recover your rightful financial compensation. The firm proudly serves clients across Louisville, Kentucky, and surrounding areas throughout the state, including Lexington.
Who Is an Insurance Adjuster?
An insurance adjuster is a specialist that the insurance carrier usually calls upon to evaluate, investigate, and resolve personal injury and accident claims. The insurance adjuster will review all of the surrounding details of your case, determine whether the claims are valid, and propose fair compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses. Insurance adjusters are also referred to as claims adjusters, independent claims analysts, or claims specialists.
The Role of the Insurance Adjuster
Here are some of the roles and responsibilities of the claim adjuster:
Assess and settle accident and personal injury claims.
Review the insurance policy's terms and determine what is covered.
Assess the full magnitude of the injuries and damages suffered by the victim.
Interview the claimant and other witnesses to know more about the incident.
Determine a fair settlement to cover the plaintiff's injuries, damages, or losses.
Negotiate a fair settlement with the claimants and their legal representatives.
Deny false or fraudulent claims.
Maintain transparency throughout the injury claims process.
Work together with personal injury lawyers on insurance claims when necessary.
Approve settlement amounts and ensure that the claimant receives their deserved compensation in full.
Contact the claimant's employers or health providers to disclose false or fraudulent claims.
Recommend a private investigator for second opinions or to examine and investigate the injury claims.
Also, while investigating the claims, the independent claims analysts may call the victim requesting an interview, a recorded statement, or more information about the incident or injury.
What Information Will They Ask Me to Provide?
Below are some additional details and documents that the claims specialist can ask you to provide when they call:
your personal details, including your full name, address, phone number, and employer's contacts
your personal account of the incident, including the type of injury or accident, how, when, and where it occurred, the number of vehicles involved, who was at fault for the crash, and what you did after the incident
identities of witnesses and statements or testimonies made by them
relevant information about your injuries, property damages, out-of-pocket expenses, and other accident-related losses sustained
details about your medical expenses, medical treatments received, and other health reports that can assist with your claims
independent medical examinations (IME)
accident scene photos or evidence of your injuries
It is important that you speak with your attorney before providing the insurance adjuster with additional information and documentation about your accident or injury.
When They Request a Statement
When investigating a car accident claim, the claims specialist may want to know about the events leading to and after the auto crash. Essentially, speaking with an insurance adjuster without experienced guidance from your legal counsel is never advisable. Here are some reasons to refuse:
The insurance adjuster can interpret your statements wrongly or differently.
The insurance adjuster can use your statement to undervalue your claims or reduce your compensation.
The insurance adjuster can take your words out of context.
The insurance adjuster can ask contradictory questions to create inconsistencies in your statements.
The insurance adjuster can use your statement against you during negotiations or in court.
Without knowing the claim adjuster's intentions, you may end up hurting your case unintentionally by speaking to them or giving a recovered statement. Therefore, ensure that you consult with your lawyer first to educate you about what to say – or not say – when the claims specialist calls.
What to Say If You Choose To Give a Statement
If you choose to give a statement to the insurance adjuster, you should:
Ask the independent claims analyst not to record your conversations, discussions, or statements.
Never admit that you caused the accident or your injuries.
Never provide additional information unless you were asked.
Keep your statements or conversations brief.
Never sign any document without your lawyer's approval.
Only answer questions that you are absolutely certain about.
A reliable car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and coach you extensively for your interview with the insurance adjuster.
Get Trusted Guidance After an Accident
Insurance adjusters work for the insurer and are usually not on the claimant's side. Unknown to you, both are in search of ways to undervalue or deny your injury claims. Mr. Slechter and Mrs. Slechter are dedicated to handling personal injury cases and protecting the rights of accident victims and their loved ones.
As your legal counsel, they will explore your available legal options to recover damages, help file your claims, and handle all discussions and negotiations with the insurer and insurance adjuster on your behalf. Mr. Slechter and Mrs. Slechter will continue fighting for your legal rights and help you seek fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, or losses.
Contact Slechter Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a simple case assessment with experienced car accident lawyers. Mr. Slechter and Mrs. Slechter can guide you through the complex procedures involved in filing claims and seeking damages. The firm proudly serves clients across Louisville, Kentucky, and surrounding areas throughout the state, including Lexington.