If you have suffered injuries in a devastating motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Navigating such processes can be challenging, and you may encounter many challenges and opportunities. That is why you should consider reaching out to an Atlanta motorcycle lawyer who will speak with the insurance adjuster for you to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after a motorcycle accident. Often, it is best to keep your interactions with them brief and simple. Also, ensure you only share limited information. Remember that adjusters are trained negotiators, so they know exactly the type of tactic to employ in your case.
How to Handle an Insurance Adjuster
Below are some tips when handling an insurance adjuster:
- Keep talks limited. Tell the adjuster that you won’t share detailed information when talking to them on the phone. You can share basic information like the date and location of the accident and your contact information. Never give details regarding how the collision took place or the severity of your injuries.
- Decline requests for recorded statements. When an insurance adjuster demands a recorded statement from you, refuse this outright. Because you may not have processed what has taken place, you may end up saying something that can be used against you or your claim later. Do not allow the adjuster to record your conversations because your words can be misconstrued.
- Never sign medical release forms. The insurance adjuster handling your claim may access your past and present medical history to assert that a pre-existing condition contributed to your recent injuries. This is an approach to devalue your insurance claim.
Things You Should Not Do When Dealing with An Adjuster
A few hours after the motorcycle accident, an adjuster may call you. During this time, you may still have a clear state of mind and are vulnerable to the tactics of the insurance adjuster. This person is trained to initiate a friendly conversation to encourage you to make statements that can damage your claim. You need to know what statements you should not make to preserve the credibility of your claim. The following are other things you should not do when talking to an insurance adjuster:
- Admitting blame. Avoid giving the insurance adjuster a reason to think you were responsible for the motorcycle accident. During your conversation, make sure your tone does not sound apologetic. If the adjuster thinks you contributed to the accident, your chances of getting maximum compensation will be limited. When you talk to the adjuster, be calm and confident. Tell them that you will cooperate in the investigation.
- Taking the first settlement offer. Regardless of how caring the adjuster may sound, they are not your friend. This person is only focused on convincing you to take the first settlement offer. The majority of initial offers are lower than the worth of claims. Do not accept any settlement offers from the insurance company until you get a medical diagnosis and determine the full extent of your injuries. It’s best to have a lawyer evaluate the reasonableness of the offer before you accept it. Your lawyer can collect evidence and help you seek a maximum settlement.
Insurance adjusters are trained and funded in their quest to diminish or deny your claim. If you have sustained severe injuries because of the negligence of another party, it is important to consult an attorney before you sign any forms, give any statements, or discuss this adversary alone. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will assess your circumstances to determine if you have a good case from the get-go.