After being involved in a serious car accident, there’s a good chance you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to be taken care of. You and your family’s health and wellbeing are your first priorities, but after the basic needs of your loved ones are met, you will have to decide how to handle any insurance settlements. Settling insurance claims can be stressful, and to make matters worse, you may face opposition from the other accident victim’s insurance adjuster.
Insurance claims adjusters—also typically referred to as insurance adjustors, claims adjustors, claims specialists, or claims representatives—may come to you immediately following the accident or in the days following, asking you to settle your claim. They may contact you in person or over the phone. They can be pushy or forceful in nature, and may try and get you to believe that you have to settle immediately.
These adjusters will also discourage you from contacting a personal injury lawyer. If you were a victim of a car accident in Lexington, KY, you have every right to contact a Lexington, KY personal injury lawyer regarding the accident. You also have every legal right to take your time to decide how you wish to settle. Time does matter during an auto insurance settlement, but you should always take as much time as you need to make the right decision for you and your family.
Insurance adjusters from the opposing victim’s side don’t have your best interests in mind. They lie and come off as pushy so you feel pressured to give in and sign their claim. They also don’t want you to be aware of these six facts:
1. You don’t have to give a recorded statement
Claims adjusters will try and tell you that you must give them a recorded statement regarding the accident. This isn’t true at all. They do this in an attempt to catch you saying something you shouldn’t—something the opposing party can use against you if a lawsuit is filed. The best way to avoid this is by refusing to issue a recorded statement and speaking to a personal injury or car accident lawyer instead.
2. You don’t have to settle right away
As mentioned above, an insurance adjuster will do everything they can to try and get you to settle immediately so you don’t have time to rethink your actions or ask for advice from additional agents or a local personal injury attorney. Don’t make any rushed decisions.
3. You can negotiate the terms of a settlement
Insurance adjustors are skilled negotiators, but they’re not the only ones with the power to negotiate the terms of your settlement. You’re free to negotiate any terms you wish or ask for time to seek advice regarding terms that you feel may be more fair. Remember, the opposing adjuster won’t be looking out for you. Only you can do that.
4. You should contact your own insurance agency
Opposing adjusters will try and get you to believe that you should settle your claim without speaking to your own insurance agency if you haven’t already. Don’t believe their spiel. You can and should speak to as many insurance agents or legal representatives as you see fit.
5. Insurance agencies don’t easily accept medical treatment terms
As part of their pitch, an accident claims adjuster may try and tell you that any copayments or necessary medical treatment costs will not cause a hassle during the insurance settlement and that all costs will be 100% covered. Unfortunately, it’s never that easy. Insurance agencies do whatever they can to reduce the costs of your settlement. They will try and say that your medical treatments were not necessary. The only safeguard against this is solid negotiating skills and legal assistance.
6. You should speak to a personal injury lawyer
Insurance adjusters are often afraid to utter the words “lawyer” or “attorney”. They know they will lose against a knowledgeable car accident or personal injury attorney. They will try and tell you that hiring a lawyer is costly and unnecessary. Both are untrue. A personal injury attorney will be able to fight for your rights and help you settle your claim without destroying your life or financial freedom in the process.
If you or someone you know was involved in a car accident and sustained serious injuries, don’t hesitate to contact Lexington, KY personal injury lawyer Todd W. Burris to find out how we can help you get back on your feet again and stop opposing insurance adjusters from thinking they can push you around. It’s your life. It’s your settlement. You deserve a lawyer who can fight for you.
