What You Should Know Before The Insurance Adjuster Calls

After a car accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster who will ask you questions about the incident. Many people feel overwhelmed by the questions and unsure of how to respond. You need to understand what to expect when having a phone conversation with the insurance adjuster and what you can and cannot say.  

The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC helps accident victims deal with insurance adjusters to ensure that their rights and best interests are protected. Reach out to Attorney Walter Gabriel’s office in Atlanta, Georgia, if you were contacted by the insurance adjuster and need reliable assistance with all aspects of the claims process. He also serves clients in surrounding areas, including Alexandria and Dunwoody.  

Insurance Adjuster’s Role  

Automobile accidents are not an uncommon occurrence in Georgia. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the state sees between 1,500 and 1,700 fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents each year.  

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster. An insurance adjuster works for the insurer and their job is to assess the damage caused by the accident, determine liability, and calculate the cost of repair or replacement. 

An insurance adjuster’s role is to investigate claims made by policyholders. They will contact the other driver involved in your accident, review police reports, look at medical bills and photographs of any property damage, analyze witness statements, and review any other evidence related to the claim. The adjuster then takes all this information into consideration when assessing how much money should be paid out to cover damages associated with a claim. 

Requests for a Recorded Statement  

A recorded statement is exactly what it sounds like—a verbal statement given by one party (in this case, you) that is recorded and can later be used as evidence in court. Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement shortly after an accident has occurred, but it’s important that you understand your rights before agreeing to any kind of statement. 

Insurance adjusters typically ask for recorded statements because they want as much information as possible about the incident in question. However, keep in mind that anything you say during your statement can and will be used against you in court. This means that even if something seems insignificant at the time, it could still come back to hurt your case later on. For this reason, it’s always best to consult with an attorney before providing any kind of statement or answering any questions from an insurance adjuster. 

Why Should You Refuse to Provide a Recorded Statement? 

The simple answer is that giving a recorded statement leaves you vulnerable and open to potential legal repercussions down the line. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to twist words or misinterpret facts in order to benefit their own interests over yours.  

An experienced car accident attorney will help protect your rights by providing guidance so that you don’t say anything that could potentially hurt your case in court. Furthermore, if necessary, an attorney will negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf so that all parties involved get the most favorable outcome possible from the situation. 

Considerations When Answering the Adjuster’s Questions 

Keep these five tips in mind when you are asked questions by an insurance adjuster: 

• Ask for it not to be recorded. Before answering any questions, make sure that the conversation is not being recorded without your consent. You have the right to say no if an insurance adjuster requests to record your conversation as this could be used against you later on. If they do not agree, it is best to end the conversation or speak with a lawyer before moving forward.  

• Avoid admitting fault. Even if you think that you were at fault for the accident, do not admit fault when speaking with an insurance adjuster as this can negatively impact your case down the line. Instead of admitting fault, stick to facts related to the incident and avoid speculation or opinion-based answers.  

• Do not answer questions if you do not know how to answer. If there are certain questions that make you uncomfortable or raise concerns, it is okay to take some time before responding or say that you do not know how to answer them. Before making a statement, consider seeking legal advice first so that you understand all of your rights in this situation and are able to provide accurate information without putting yourself at risk of liability later on.  

• Keep your answers brief and to the point. Try not to get too caught up in providing long answers or volunteering information. Instead, focus on providing straightforward responses with facts only which can help protect your interests throughout future proceedings related to your case.  

• Do not sign anything before consulting with an attorney. Before signing anything make sure that it has been reviewed by an attorney. Doing so will ensure that any risks associated with signing the documents are fully understood before agreeing to any terms presented by the insurance adjuster.  

By following these tips, individuals can protect their rights when communicating with insurance adjusters and answering any questions related to their accident and/or injuries.  

What Information Will They Ask Me to Provide?  

When an insurance adjuster contacts you after a car accident, they will likely ask for some information from you. This could include:  

• Details about your vehicle such as make, model, year of purchase, and license plate number;  

• Details about your driving history;  

• Photos of injuries or any visible damage on both vehicles;  

• Copies of bills or receipts related to the accident (e.g. ambulance fees);  

• Witness statements; and  

• A police report from the scene of the accident, if available. 

It’s important to provide the information you can so that the adjuster can make an accurate assessment of liability and compensation owed for damages or injury incurred during an accident. At the same time, you should exercise caution when providing any statements to the insurance adjuster and are better off contacting a skilled attorney for knowledgeable assistance in dealing with the insurer on your behalf.  

Get the Guidance of a Skilled Car Accident Attorney  

Having legal counsel on your side can also help streamline negotiations with the insurance company, which can ultimately lead to a more favorable outcome when all is said and done. If you have been involved in an auto accident, get the guidance of Attorney Walter Gabriel when dealing with the insurance adjuster. Reach out to The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC for a free, no-obligation consultation.