Be Cautious When Speaking to an Insurance Adjuster
In the moments after an accident has occurred you may be disoriented or in a heightened emotional state. This is not the time to be making any type of formal statement to an insurance adjuster about the incident. In my book What every Injured Victim in Washington State Must know to avoid getting Ripped Off!, I discuss this as one of the common blunders that can destroy your accident settlement. You can find my book at www.cunnanelaw.com.
The insurance adjuster will want to get you to make your statement as soon as possible, not to help you but to increase the probability of you making mistakes that will decrease the settlement amount they need to pay. Simple statements such as “I’m Fine,” after an accident can be interpreted to mean that you were not seriously injured and therefore are not entitled to compensation. Even the common courtesy of saying you’re sorry could mean that you have admitted guilt or fault for the accident while your intention could be that you are sorry the event occurred.
It is important to remember even in a heightened emotional state that the insurance company is not necessarily your friend. They are a business and their profits are based on paying out as little as possible for your claim. It is during these stressful times that legal representation can be most effectively used to protect you and your insurance claim.
The Cunnane Law Office has provided this content for informational purposes only. You should refer your questions to a personal injury attorney.
