Nobody wants to have to deal with insurance, but it’s a necessary part of filing an automobile accident claim. At the same time, it’s important to remember that insurers are for-profit businesses, and their bottom line (not your well-being) is their top priority. Knowing what to say and not to say to the insurance companies is essential to protecting your rights.
If you have been in a collision in Nassau County or Queens, the best way to deal with insurance companies is to hire an experienced law firm. Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C. explains what you need to know about talking to adjusters.
What You Should Say
Whether it’s your own insurer or the company that insures the at-fault driver, the adjuster needs to know a few things about the accident. Here are some things you should say:
- Tell the basic facts about the accident: These include such information as your name, the date and location of the crash, and your policy number (if it’s your insurer). Such details are objective facts about the accident.
- Limit unnecessary details: You may be concerned that you were not following the law at the time of the crash. Perhaps you traveled a few miles per hour over the speed limit. For these parts of your story, don’t lie but minimize the details or avoid the subject.
- Tell the adjuster you have an attorney: Beyond the basic facts of the crash, there is not much you need to say before retaining legal counsel. You should hire a personal injury lawyer who represents victims in Nassau County and Queens, and refer the adjuster to your attorney for more information.
What You Should Not Say
Knowing what you should say is one thing; equally, or perhaps more important, is knowing what not to say to the claims adjuster. These are some examples:
- Don’t admit fault or apologize: Even if you think that you caused the accident, you may not have all the facts, so don’t admit to anything. You should also not apologize because the adjuster may interpret it as an admission of liability.
- Don’t lie or exaggerate: Never exaggerate about your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, or whether you were at fault. This can destroy your credibility and the value of your claim, and make the adjuster more suspicious.
- Don’t speculate as to how the accident occurred: You likely will not have enough information to conclusively say who was at fault. Let Nassau County and Queens attorneys and investigators determine this question.
- Don’t speculate as to your injuries: Whether you believe you were injured or not, do not tell the insurance company about the nature or extent of your injuries. If they ask, tell them you are seeing a doctor and will refer to their opinion.
Other Tips For Insurance Communications
We also suggest the following with respect to your communications with the insurance adjuster:
- Have a script: Write down the most basic facts of the accident (as discussed above), use this as a script, and stick to it during your talk with the adjuster.
- Refer any other questions to your lawyer: If you are asked for more information, tell the adjuster you have provided everything from your perspective and to speak with your lawyer for more details.
- Do not agree to give a recorded statement: There is no reason or requirement to give one, it will not help your case, the insurance company will try to use whatever you say against you, and it is more likely to jeopardize your claim.
Need Help With an Insurance Claim? We’re Here For You
Were you injured in Nassau County or Queens, but you aren’t sure how to deal with the insurance company? That’s where the personal injury lawyers of Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C. come in. Reach out to us today to learn more about the insurance claims process.
