Information You Should Never Give a Claims Adjuster
After being involved in any type of incident that results in an injury, you should expect to receive a telephone call from a claims adjuster. This adjuster represents the insurance company of the party responsible for your injury and his or her primary duty is minimizing your claim to save the insurance company money. The claims adjuster will usually act like your friend and claim that he or she is only interested in helping you quickly close out your claim so that you can get the financial compensation you need. The adjuster is interested in closing out your claim quickly to avoid paying for medical bills or long-term pain and suffering that may occur. Once you have been contacted by a claims adjuster, there is some information that you should never give out.
Pictures you took
If you took pictures of the scene of the accident or conditions that led to the incident occurring, do not give them to the claims adjuster. The adjuster may ask for them, claiming that they are necessary to process the claim. The adjuster is really just trying to see how much evidence you have in your possession. If the adjuster believes that your photographic or video evidence is lacking, he or she might reduce their settlement offer or attempt to deny your claim altogether.
Full Medical Release
The claims adjuster will want to have proof that you were injured and may request copies of your medical records. Be extremely cautious when signing anything that you are sent. Instead of requesting access to the medical records pertaining to the incident, the adjuster often attempts to obtain a full medical release. This release gives the insurance company access to all of your medical records and make it possible for them to claim that your injuries are a result of a previous injury or pre-existing medical conditions. Sending copies of medical records that you obtained yourself is usually a better option.
Recorded or Written Statements
One of the very first things a claims adjuster will attempt to do is obtain a statement from you or any witnesses known to you. If at all possible, never provide a written or recorded statement. These statements are used to find flaws in your claims or prove that you are being dishonest. Small statements like saying you are “good” in response to being asked how you are doing can be used to claim that you were not actually hurt. Never provide a claims adjuster with any documentation that may later be used against you to twist your words or diminish your statements regarding your injuries.
Contact an Attorney
When you or someone close to you has a claims adjuster hounding you for information, instead of giving in to the pressure, contact a qualified personal injury attorney. An attorney acting on your behalf can speak to the claims adjuster on your behalf and ensure you avoid any traps that the adjuster may set. Morris Law is here to get you the settlement you deserve. Call our Greenville, SC office today to schedule your initial consultation.
