What To Do If You Receive A Phone Call From An Insurance Adjuster After A Car Crash?
Being involved in a car crash is always a stressful and traumatizing event. After the incident, you may receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster who is looking to gather information about the accident. While it is important to work with insurance companies following a car accident, it is equally important to understand your rights and protect yourself during the process.
Reach out to our Fulton County personal injury lawyers at Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers to get professional and qualified legal counsel. We can assist you with all aspects of the claims process after the car crash, including dealing with insurance companies on your behalf.
6 Things to Do When an Insurance Adjuster Calls
If you receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster after a car crash, you need to know what you should and should not do to protect your right to fair compensation.
1. Ask the Adjuster for Their Name
When you receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster, the first thing you should do is ask for their name and the company they work for. This will help you verify that the call is legitimate and also give you the opportunity to research the company and adjuster before speaking with them further.
2. Understand and Protect Your Rights
Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, you need to understand your rights as an accident victim. You have the right to seek medical treatment, hire an attorney, and receive compensation for damages and injuries sustained in the accident. Make sure you protect these rights by not sharing too much information with the adjuster until you have spoken with a lawyer.
3. Provide Only Basic Information
When speaking with an insurance adjuster, it is critical to only provide basic information about the accident. This includes the date and time of the accident, the location, and the vehicles involved. Do not volunteer information or admit fault, as this can be used against you when it comes time to file a claim.
4. Do Not Agree to a Recorded Statement
An insurance adjuster may try to get you to agree to a recorded statement, which is essentially a verbal statement about the accident that is recorded and can be used in court. It is important to understand that you are not required to agree to a recorded statement, and it is often not in your best interest to do so. Consult with an attorney before agreeing to a recorded statement.
5. Do Not Accept the Settlement Offer Before You Talk to a Lawyer
It is common for insurance adjusters to offer a settlement soon after an accident in order to avoid a lawsuit. While this may seem like a quick and easy solution, you need to keep in mind that accepting a settlement offer may limit your ability to seek compensation later if you incur additional medical expenses or lost wages. Before accepting any settlement offer, consult with a skilled lawyer who can help you understand the full value of your case.
Note: Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, injured victims of car crashes typically have two years to file a lawsuit following the accident.
6. Contact a Lawyer
Finally, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible when you receive a phone call from the insurance adjuster. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and take legal action if necessary. They can also ensure that you do not unknowingly make any mistakes that could hurt your case.
Reach Out to Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers
Getting into a car accident is a difficult situation, and the aftermath can be confusing. By taking the above-mentioned steps, you can navigate the insurance process with peace of mind. Contact Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers to get knowledgeable assistance with your personal injury claim.
Our lawyers represent accident victims throughout Fulton County, Gwinnett County, and Cobb County, as well as Atlanta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek. Call 770-685-6400 today to schedule a free case evaluation.
