After an accident, you will probably hear from an insurance adjuster. Their questions are often designed to shift blame and minimize your claim’s value. While consulting our experienced Queens Personal Injury Attorneys is the best way to handle these discussions, this blog highlights what you should avoid saying to an insurance adjuster after a collision.
What Not to Say During Insurance Adjuster Conversations in New York?
Insurance adjusters are trained to engage with accident victims. While they may appear compassionate and helpful, their primary goal is not to serve your best interests. Instead, their objective is to safeguard their company’s profits by minimizing the compensation paid out. Victims should always refrain from:
- Don’t Admit Fault of Any Kind (Even Partial): This is one of the most important things to keep in mind when you are contacted by an insurance adjuster. Admitting that you are at fault can compromise your ability to recover any compensation for your damages. Refrain from any apologetic language to protect your rights.
- Don’t Discuss Your Injuries: When speaking with an insurance adjuster, avoid discussing your health or injuries, even if asked. It’s important to understand that your statements can be used against your claim, regardless of your current health status. You should avoid providing a specific self-diagnosis, especially if you haven’t seen a medical professional. If a medical diagnosis later proves more severe than what you initially told the adjuster could negatively impact your ability to receive the necessary compensation for your recovery.
- Don’t Speculate About the Accident Circumstances: When discussing the accident, stick to the basic facts: the date, the time, the location, the vehicles involved, and the names of any witnesses. Avoid offering additional information or guessing, even in informal conversations. Adjusters don’t represent you; their primary goal is to minimize payouts.
- Don’t Consent to Being Recorded: While they may ask, you are not obligated to provide a recorded statement. Anything you say can be used against you and cast doubt on the legitimacy of your injury claim.
- Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer: It’s generally advisable to resist the urge to accept the initial settlement offer, as it’s often considerably less than the true value of a claim. Hastily accepting the first offer could mean forfeiting the opportunity to receive fair compensation for all your losses. Essentially, accepting a settlement offer right away can put you in a difficult position later on, especially if ongoing care and additional compensation are necessary for recovery. A qualified attorney can help you assess, negotiate, and potentially reject a settlement offer after an accident.
At the Law Offices of George Poulos, we are prepared to help you understand your legal options and negotiate a favorable outcome. If negotiations fail, we can effectively represent your interests in court. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can fight for you.