What to Say to an Insurance Adjuster after a Car Accident

After a car accident in Texas, you will need to notify your insurance company about the accident and file a claim in order to recover compensation. During this process, you will no doubt be interacting with an insurance adjuster. An insurance adjuster’s job is to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to after an accident.

While insurance adjusters are important to your claim, saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster can quickly harm your chances of recovering your full damages amount. After a car accident in Texas, here is what to say – and what not to say – to an insurance adjuster:

Never Admit Fault

Admitting fault is one of the worst things that you can do when dealing with an insurance adjuster, even if you believe that the accident may have been caused in part by your own actions. Admitting fault, or even just apologizing, could reduce your chances of recovering compensation. This is because in Texas, drivers are responsible for paying for the accidents that they cause, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. As such, if you caused the accident, you will not be able to file a claim for compensation.

Do Not Sign Any Documents

Your insurance adjuster may ask you to sign a variety of documents related to the car accident, such as a medical release form or a claim release. Regardless of what you are handed, do not sign anything without having it reviewed by a legal professional first. A medical release can be used to obtain your medical records, which can be used against you during the claim process, and a claim release releases the insurance company from any further liability in exchange for you accepting a settlement amount.

Do Not Accept a First Settlement Offer

Too often, a first settlement offer made by an insurance company is much lower than what the victim really deserves. Before you accept a settlement, you should be sure that it fully covers the extent of damages that you have suffered. Further, you should also have the offer reviewed by an attorney.

Do Exercise Caution WhenSpeaking with an Insurance Adjuster in Texas

Even if you think that the insurance adjuster is looking out for your best interests, chances are that he or she will be ready to use your words against you if you misspeak. Never agree to give a written or recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first, and be sure to choose your words carefully. If you do not know the precise answer to a question (such as how fast your vehicle was traveling at the time of collision), simply say, “I do not know.” And, regardless of how frustrated you get, resist the urge to lash out or get upset. It is not worth it, and may harm your chances of recovering your full amount.

Get Help from a Texas Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been in a car accident in Texas, meet with an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. A car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance adjusters for you, and provide you more advice on what to say and what not to say. Contact the team at The Bob Richardson Law Firm today for a free consultation and claim review.