Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, it is crucial to remember that they work for an insurance company. It is their job to deny and minimize every claim as much as possible. If you were involved in an Outer Banks car accident and plan on pursuing financial compensation, you are going to have to deal with an adjuster at some point, regardless of whether you are using your own insurance or filing a claim against another party.
Insurance adjusters are taught to gain your trust, to appear friendly and concerned, to cherry-pick your comments, and to only record statements that could potentially be used to diminish your claim’s value. If the adjuster assigned to your case is able to shift any of the fault onto you, their employer will not be liable for your medical expenses, lost earnings, or pain and suffering. If they are unable to blame you, they will ask for a copy of your medical records and begin searching for any evidence that suggests your injuries and pain either existed before your accident, are being exaggerated or faked, or that you received more medical treatment than you actually required.
In order to maximize your financial compensation, it is essential to work with an Outer Banks car accident lawyer who knows the correct way to answer questions intended to trick you that are commonly asked by insurance adjusters. One tiny misstep on your part could result in the denial or devaluation of your claim.
How Did the Accident Happen?
If the events surrounding the accident are unclear, you should schedule a free case review with an Outer Banks car accident lawyer to understand how to explain what happened safely. During your free consultation, our attorneys will listen to your version of events and advise you on the best way to describe what happened in a manner that safeguards your rights and supports your claim for financial compensation.
Unfortunately, a lot of car accident victims do not consult with an attorney before speaking to the insurance adjuster. If you choose to go this route, describe the events surrounding the crash exactly as you remember them without giving any extra detail. Never speculate, if you are not certain about something, it is okay to tell the adjuster that you don’t remember or you don’t know.
Never indicate that you think the accident was your fault or say anything that the insurance adjuster could construe as an admission of fault. North Carolina operates under the laws of pure contributory negligence. Simply put, if you are determined to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you are not eligible to collect financial compensation. Even ostensibly benign statements like, “I didn’t see them” or “I’m sorry” can endanger your otherwise valid claim.
Will You Give Me Access to Your Medical Records?
Most insurance adjusters will want to see your medical records for themselves. Despite this, you should not sign a medical authorization form since the adjuster will then be able to review your full medical history and potentially find information they can twist to sabotage your claim, from preexisting conditions to your health insurance coverage. If you have a previous injury or a preexisting condition, the insurance adjuster will use this information against you by claiming that it contributed to or caused your newer injuries.
Fortunately, when you work with a skilled Outer Banks car accident attorney, they can collect your medical records, assume responsibility for reviewing them, highlight and summarize all useful evidence, and present the strongest case possible to the insurance adjuster. Whether you decide to handle your claim on your own or hire an attorney, you should never show your medical records until your medical treatments have concluded. Although some car crashes do lead to lifelong injuries and interminable medical care, these instances are the exception, not the rule. If your doctor anticipates you recovering from your injuries and completing your medical treatments, do not offer your medical records as you go. The best way to maximize your compensation and make your case more compelling is to present it in its entirety.
Can We Get a Recorded Statement?
Insurance adjusters usually only request a recorded statement when they think they can put some of the fault on you or if they have doubts about the truth of your claim. If the adjuster assigned to your case asks you to provide a recorded statement, consider it a red flag, and, if you haven’t already, consult an experienced Outer Banks car accident lawyer right away. Even if you think that the facts of the crash are clear and the other driver’s fault is obvious, bear in mind that the adjuster only needs to lay 1% of fault for the accident at your doorstep.
All We Do is Injury Law
When you work with a skilled Outer Banks, NC car accident lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we will ensure that you are protected from the insurance company’s deceptive practices, thereby strengthening your claim and increasing your chances of obtaining a full and fair settlement. Using these methods, we secured a $150,000 jury verdict for an injured client after the insurer refused to make a settlement offer that compensated him for the exacerbation of a pre-existing medical condition. Schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Outer Banks car accident lawyers by calling us at (833) 997-1774 or filling out the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk.