Ben's Blog 
Dealing With The Insurance Adjuster
The “Big 5” to Watch Out for When Dealing with the Adjuster
Most people are trusting by nature. They believe that what others say is true and have little reason to doubt. So, when insurance adjusters make certain statements or promises, many claimants are not suspicious. Why shouldn’t they trust the insurance adjusters?
Before going into some of the things you need to watch out for when working with the insurance adjuster, keep in mind that some claims are settled fairly, with little hassle. On the other hand, when serious injuries are involved or if fault in the accident is being disputed, you need to proceed cautiously.
Below are five red flags that should be raised when dealing with the insurance adjuster:
- The adjuster acts like your friend. Even if the adjuster is a friendly person, you cannot forget that he or she is working for the insurance company. You are not the one signing the adjuster’s checks every pay period. Therefore, when push comes to shove, where do you think the adjuster’s loyalty is going to lie?
- You are getting pressured to settle quickly. If the adjuster is pushing you to settle fast, it should tell you something. It could mean that the insurance company is worried that your injuries will worsen over time or that there could be a serious injury that has not yet surfaced. Take your time when reaching a settlement with the insurer. Once you sign a release and cash your check, the case is closed and there’s no going back.
- The insurance adjuster wants to record your statement after the accident. This tactic is commonly used by insurance companies. Giving a recorded statement might not seem that bad, especially since you have nothing to hide. The problem is that you might say something that is misinterpreted or you might not be aware of all of the details of the crash or your injuries. It is best to say “no” to a recorded statement.
- It is implied that you should not contact an attorney. It is true that not every case needs to be represented by a Virginia car accident lawyer, but you should be the one to come to this conclusion, not the adjuster. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so it doesn’t hurt to at least talk to a lawyer.
- You are asked to sign some papers. Be very careful about what you sign. For example, signing a medical authorization could give the insurance company access to more of your medical records than necessary. Signing a release form will put an end to your case.
To learn more about insurance company tricks and auto accident claims, order the book, Five Deadly Sins That Can Wreck Your Injury Claim. The book is free to Virginia residents. Simply fill out the form below or give us a call at 703.591.9829 to receive your copy.
