Car accidents are common in Philadelphia. The city has some of the busiest roads and highways in the country, which makes it more prone to accidents. If you ever find yourself involved in a car wreck, dealing with an insurance adjuster can be one of the most challenging aspects.
To help you navigate this process effectively, our experienced Philadelphia auto accident attorneys have made a list of things to avoid when dealing with an adjuster. We can negotiate a fair settlement for you!
Insurance Adjusters Do Not Care About Your Best Interests
When dealing with an adjuster after a car accident in Philadelphia, it’s essential to remember that their loyalty lies solely with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who will try to settle your claim for as little money as possible. They may appear friendly and helpful but always remember that they do not have your best interests at heart.
Adjusters use various tactics to convince you to accept a low settlement offer, such as questioning the extent of your injuries or blaming you for the accident. They may even pressure you into signing legal documents without fully understanding what they mean.
It’s crucial to be cautious when speaking with an adjuster and never admit fault or express opinions about the cause of the accident. Remember that anything you say can be used against you later on.
The best option is consulting with a Philadelphia auto accident attorney who has experience negotiating fair settlements for clients while protecting their rights.
1. Do Not Admit Fault
After a car accident in Philadelphia, it’s natural to want to apologize or admit fault, even if you weren’t the one responsible for the collision. However, doing so could seriously harm your chances of receiving fair compensation for any damages or injuries sustained during the accident.
Insurance adjusters are trained to look for any indication that you were at fault and will use any admission of guilt against you when negotiating a settlement. Even saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” can be construed as an admission of liability.
It’s important to remember that determining fault is not your responsibility. That is up to law enforcement officials and insurance companies who investigate accidents thoroughly before assigning blame.
If an adjuster asks you directly whether or not you believe you were at fault, simply state that it’s premature to make that determination until all evidence has been reviewed.
2. Do Not Express Opinions About What Caused the Wreck
When dealing with an insurance adjuster after a car accident in Philadelphia, it’s important to be cautious about what you say. One mistake that many people make is expressing their opinions as to the cause of the accident. This can be a dangerous move because it may harm your case and give an advantage to the other party.
Even if you think that another driver was clearly responsible for causing the accident, avoid expressing this opinion to the insurance adjuster. Instead, stick to providing factual information about what happened during the incident.
If asked about who caused the accident or why it occurred, simply state that you do not feel comfortable speculating on these matters without consulting with legal counsel first.
By avoiding any speculation or opinions as to causation and sticking only with provable facts surrounding events before, during, and after accidents occur; people can limit potential liability exposure while still pursuing compensation from their policy providers post-accident in Philadelphia courts of law.
3. Do Not Give Too Many Details, Stick to the Basic Facts
While you may feel the urge to volunteer every detail about the accident when talking to an adjuster, doing so can actually hurt your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
One reason for this is that giving too many details can create inconsistencies in your story. It’s natural for people to forget certain aspects or get confused about what happened during a traumatic event like a car accident. In a later interview, you may end up contradicting yourself.
Another reason is that providing too much information can result in the other party using those details against you. For example, if you mention being on medication at the time of the accident, they could argue that this impaired your driving and contributed to the crash.
To avoid these potential pitfalls, stick to basic facts when speaking with an adjuster. This means answering questions truthfully and concisely without offering any additional information unless specifically asked for it.
4. Do Not Sign a Medical Release Form
After a car accident in Philadelphia, an insurance adjuster may request that you sign a medical release form. It is important to be cautious before signing any document provided by the other party’s insurer.
By signing the medical release form, you are giving permission for the insurance company to access your medical records and history. This information can be used against you during settlement negotiations or even in court if needed.
It is crucial to protect your privacy and seek advice from a trusted auto accident attorney in Philadelphia before providing access to such sensitive data. Your attorney can determine what type of information should be shared with the other party’s insurer and ensure that only necessary records are released.
Furthermore, some insurers may try to use the medical release form as a tactic to delay or deny your claim. They may argue that they need more time to review your medical records before making a settlement offer. An experienced auto accident lawyer can prevent such tactics from being used against you while protecting your rights throughout the negotiation process.
5. Do Not Sign a Settlement Agreement Without Talking to a Lawyer
After a car accident in Philadelphia, you may be approached by an insurance adjuster with a settlement offer. It’s important to remember that their goal is to save money for the insurance company and not necessarily to provide you with fair compensation.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is signing a settlement agreement without first consulting with an experienced auto accident attorney in Philadelphia. Once you sign the agreement, you waive your right to pursue further legal action or seek additional compensation.
Furthermore, the initial settlement offer may not fully cover all of your expenses related to the accident such as medical bills, lost wages, and future medical treatment. By signing too quickly, you may end up settling for much less than what you truly deserve.
Let a Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney Negotiate Your Fair Settlement!
Dealing with an insurance adjuster after a car accident in Philadelphia can be overwhelming and intimidating. It is important to remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you, and their job is to minimize their company’s financial liability.
An experienced Philadelphia injury attorney at our law firm will negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your losses. They understand how to build a strong case and are skilled at negotiating fair settlements.
We offer each new client a free case review, so get in touch with us as soon as possible after your accident. Call 267-314-8024 today!