Following the stress and turmoil of being involved in an auto accident, the last person you are likely interested in talking to is the insurance adjuster. Even if the adjuster represents your own insurance company. However, once you have filed the claim information with your insurance company, the adjuster will be contacting you.
While it is important to be polite, it is just as important not to say the wrong thing. Here are a few guidelines to help your time with the adjuster be more productive.
1. Be calm and courteous even if the adjuster represents the other party in the accident. If you make a good impression, it may help with your claim later on.
2. Be sure to get the adjuster's contact information such as name, phone number, the company he represents and a mailing address.
3. Keep your comments about the accident to a minimum. It is best to only state the facts, as you know them. Do not offer comments as to who was at fault.
4. Remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company. They want to spend as little money as possible and probably try to get you to settle right away.
5. Don't sign anything! If you do, you may inadvertently settle your claim for much less that was appropriate based on injuries and property damage.
6. Give the adjuster the contact information for your accident attorney. Be sure the adjuster is aware that you will be sharing your conversation with your attorney.
7. Contact your attorney following the conversation and pass on all the information provided including any settlement offer attempted.
By following these few simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your auto accident claim is processed in a timely manner.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, please call or e-mail us today to speak with an experienced California auto accident attorney .
