According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the annual economic cost of auto accidents is $242 billion. When you are injured in an auto accident, you are within your rights to seek fair financial compensation for your injuries and damages. However, filing a claim will likely lead to a call from an insurance adjuster wanting more information about the accident and what took place. But be aware. They are not on your side and are seeking ways to reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
At the Glober Law Firm, I am committed to providing experienced legal guidance and strong representation to auto accident victims. As an experienced Florida personal injury attorney, I can fight compassionately to protect your rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact me for a free consultation. I proudly serve clients throughout Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville, Duval County, St. Augustine, and the entire state of Florida.
WHAT IS THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER’S ROLE?
An insurance adjuster is an expert who is often called upon to investigate injury claims and determine how much the insurer should pay as compensation for any injury, damage, or loss sustained in an auto accident. Insurance adjusters are also called claims specialists, claim adjusters, or independent claims analysts. Some of their roles or duties include:
- Investigate, evaluate, and settle injury claims
- Assess whether the insurance policy covers the loss claimed
- Assess damages and speak with the claimant and other witnesses to determine a fair financial compensation
- Decide the rightful compensation the insurer should pay the claimant for their injuries
- Ensure that injury claims are transparent and not fraudulent
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the claimant, their attorney, or representatives
- Reach out to claimants’ doctors or employers to uncover false claims
- Authorize payments and ensure that claimants are compensated fully
- Work with legal counsels and attorneys on injury claims when necessary
- Deny claims or refer the injury claims to a private investigator
Throughout these duties, they are generally looking for ways to reduce the company’s expense and liability thus reducing a victim’s compensation.
REQUESTS FOR A STATEMENT
The insurance adjuster may request a statement from the claimant when conducting an investigation. However, giving a statement to the claim adjuster before consulting with your attorney can affect the outcome of your case. The insurance adjuster may:
- Use your statement against you
- Use your statement to reduce your compensation
- Take your statement out of context
- Ask questions that are contradictory in order to create inconsistency in your response
It’s possible to harm your case inadvertently by telling the truth. As professional interrogators who interview witnesses and claimants frequently, they may use questioning techniques to get you to make contradictory statements, which may be used to discredit your statement.
WHAT TO SAY IF YOU CHOOSE TO GIVE A STATEMENT
In some circumstances, insurers are legally entitled to obtain statements from those making claims. In other circumstances, whether to provide a statement is a matter of choice. If you choose to give a statement to the claims specialist, it is vital to remember the following:
- For best results, give a statement only when your lawyer is present
- Ask for your statement or conversation not to be recorded but always assume it’s being recorded anyway
- Tell the truth
- Never admit that you were guilty or at-fault, as these are determinations for a jury or judge
- Only provide answers that you are sure of
- Don’t volunteer additional information
- Keep your statement or conversation brief
- Unless a document has been reviewed by your attorney, do not sign it
To be on the safe side and avoid hurting your case, tell the adjuster that you will involve legal counsel before giving a statement.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL THEY ASK ME TO PROVIDE?
The claims adjuster may ask you to provide the following information:
- Personal details such as full name, phone number, address, and employer
- Details regarding the accident such as when and where it occurred, vehicles involved, responsible parties, and type of accident
- Details of your injuries and damages
- Information about your medical expenses, medical records, doctor’s report, radiologist’s reports, and other additional records
- Witness identities and statements
- Accident scene photographs
- Independent medical examinations (IME)
HOW EXPERIENCED LEGAL COUNSEL CAN HELP
No good ever comes from speaking with an insurance adjuster before consulting with a lawyer. You may unintentionally leave out some critical details during your conversation or your statements may be taken out of context and used to discredit your injury claim later on. On receiving a call from the insurance company’s claims specialist requesting a conversation with you, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney for detailed guidance and to protect your rights before giving any statement.
The Glober Law Firm can offer you the experienced legal guidance and representation you need in your personal injury lawsuit. As your legal counsel, I will be present for any statements you make to insurance adjusters. Also, I will review your case, conduct a thorough, private investigation, and gather all necessary pieces of evidence. I will fight vigorously to protect your rights, represent your best interest, and help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Call the Glober Law Firm today to schedule a free one-on-one case assessment with a knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorney. I will offer you the comprehensive legal guidance and advocacy you need and help pursue your deserved compensation. I’m proud to represent clients throughout Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville, Baker County, Duval County, St. Johns County, and the entire state of Florida.
