Auto accidents attorneys deal with insurers on a daily basis. Most are staffed by good people who strive to be helpful and reasonable, but the industry dictates that they look for ways to minimize claim values. Insurance adjusters know that most people don’t know how a claim is handled, and they may use dubious methods to get the upper hand during negotiations. Below are some tips that can help accident victims level the field.
Don’t Speak to the Other Party’s Adjuster After an Accident
There’s a good reason to stay tight-lipped when the other party’s adjuster calls. Many injuries can have a delayed onset, and they may not fully appear for up to 72 hours following an auto accident. If the adjuster calls to check on a victim, who then says they’re fine, the victim has just unwittingly diminished the severity of his or her injuries. The insurer will refer back to that conversation when negotiating a claim’s value; this is why an Accident Attorney with The Law Offices of Elan Wurtzel will recommend that the victim not speak to the adjuster until they’ve hired legal representation.
Get Immediate Medical Help and Follow the Physician’s Orders
Most people who are not injured do not seek evaluation and treatment after an auto accident, and they tend to skip appointments. Insurance adjusters know this, and failing to seek medical treatment or follow doctor’s orders can tell the insurance company that a victim’s injuries are not as significant as claimed. It is better to be cautious and get checked out after an auto accident than to risk having that used against the victim during settlement negotiations.
Be Clear About Symptoms
Every time a victim visits a doctor, they should describe all symptoms they’re experiencing so there’s no ambiguity as to the nature of the injuries. While most people assume that doctors know all their symptoms, relaying them with each visit can strengthen a claim and increase its value at settlement time. An Accident Attorney will take all of a victim’s bills, medical records and expenses and use them to write a demand letter to the other party’s insurer. The more clear a victim’s symptoms are, the stronger the case will be.
