Major traffic accidents usually end up in persona injury lawsuits. However, even in minor car accidents, those involved will also file claims with their insurance providers. In accidents where no injuries are sustained, insurance companies may just offer settlements quickly to reimburse the drivers. However, in car accidents that involve injuries, these companies will also do the same without regard for the suffering of the victim. If you have suffered an injury in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, it is best to have a Car accident lawyer in Grand Junction, CO on your side. Whether you have talked to an insurance claims adjuster or not, your lawyer can help. Before you with speak with a claims adjuster from an insurance company, here’s what you should keep in mind:
You Don’t Have to Give Them a Recorded Statement
When you contact an insurance company to file a claim or report your car accident claim, it will record the call. The company’s adjuster will usually inform you about this but even if they don’t, always be careful about what you will say. If you already have an attorney handling your case, you should tell the adjuster that your attorney will answer their questions.
The Insurance Company Will Use Your Recorded Statement Against You
In car accident lawsuits, the insurance company will use any evidence available against you. During your conversation with an adjuster, they will try to pressure you into saying something that will devalue your claim or even question it. This way, the insurance company will have a reason to give you a lesser amount of compensation than you deserve or deny your claim altogether. When having phone conversations with an insurance adjuster, here are things you should watch out for:
- Blame game. When you talk to a claims adjuster, they will try to get you to admit that you caused the accident or you contributed to it. In Colorado, your damage gets reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. But, you will not get anything if you are found to be 50% at fault for the crash.
- Injury reduction. The insurance adjuster will manipulate you into saying your injuries are not serious. This way, the company will only give you little or no money for your medical treatment.
When you get a call from an insurance representative or adjuster, never let them pressure you into accepting their settlement offer. Instead, you should let your attorney speak with them. Your attorney will help you recover the damages you are entitled to.