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Talking with an insurance adjuster

The do’s and don’ts of talking with an insurance adjuster after an accident

After an accident, the insurance adjuster of the other driver will try to contact you to get information. It is important to approach such a conversation with a bit of caution, to preserve the full value of your claim and avoid some pitfalls. Here are some guidelines regarding what to do and say to an insurance adjuster after an accident.

What to do

  • Remain calm and communicate politely: Even though an accident is stressful and upsetting, and you may be angry about your injuries and damages, it is in your best interest to speak calmly and politely to the adjuster who will be the person making decisions about your claim.  
  • Provide only limited personal information: You only need to tell the adjuster your name, address, and phone number. You may also tell them what type of job you have or the name of your employer. You do not need to discuss anything further about your employment, your income, or your schedule.
  • Take notes of the conversation: When you are done with the conversation take the time to write down the name of the adjuster, the date and time, and any information you gave or received during the call.

What not to do

  • Don’t give a recorded statement: Do not agree to have any conversation recorded. You have no legal obligation to be recorded, and it is unlawful for an adjuster to record a conversation without your permission. Politely decline their request and let them know that when your information is complete you will provide it in writing.
  • Don’t give many details of the accident: Even though the adjuster may want you to make a statement about how the crash occurred, politely refuse to talk about anything except the basic facts including where and when the crash occurred, the vehicles involved, and the names of any witnesses.
  • Don’t discuss details of your injuries: Do not give a detailed description of your injuries at this point, since you may forget something, you may discover an injury a bit later, or your injuries may be more severe than you originally thought.
  • Don’t accept an early settlement offer: Sometimes an adjuster will offer a settlement quickly in an attempt to save the insurance company money. If you accept early, you may not know the full extent of your injuries or have time to talk with an injury attorney to learn what your claim is worth.

When to find a personal injury attorney to represent you

Whenever someone sustains significant injuries, it is crucial to get an experienced injury lawyer to manage the insurance claim. While it is possible to handle small claims without legal assistance, the insurance claims process can be complex and anyone with injuries needs an attorney on their side to take on the huge insurance companies. An injured person is at a serious disadvantage without legal help.
 
 
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Everett-Bellingham WA
An often-overlooked key to winning settlements in personal injury cases

An often-overlooked key to winning settlements in personal injury cases

Negotiation, strategy, experience and skill - all of these qualities make a personal injury claim reach a successful verdict or settlement. But here is one key aspect that can easily be overlooked by personal injury attorneys working with injured people. Bill Coats Law, of Bellingham, Washington, is the top car accident law firm in the fourth corner and writes on this basic human quality that wins cases.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Proving wage loss in an accident claim can ruin your claim if you try to go it alone

Proving wage loss in an accident claim can ruin your claim if you try to go it alone

It sounds fairly terrifying, to think that if you're injured in an accident, you might be unfairly compensated for lost wages while you get well. But people who are self-employed, or sporadically employed, may find themselves battling with insurance companies on how to prove what wages were lost. It can be very complicated to go back and forth with an insurance company backed by a team of lawyers looking for ways to save their company money. Here are some thoughts from Bill Coats Law in Bellingham, WA on what you might be facing in proving lost wages for your accident injury claim.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Before you settle your insurance claim, make sure you're not derailing your chances by not breaking this rule

Before you settle your insurance claim, make sure you're not derailing your chances by not breaking this rule

It's called the Hamilton Rule, and if you don't factor it into your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection policy negotiations, you might put at risk getting any money from your claim. Click to read more by personal injury lawyer Bill Coats in Bellingham, Washington, and watch a video on the Hamilton Rule.

Everett-Bellingham WA
If a loved one died in an accident, consider this before talking with the insurance company [VIDEO]

If a loved one died in an accident, consider this before talking with the insurance company [VIDEO]

Deaths that occur needlessly due to someone else's negligence are very complex situations. Along with all the emotions that a survivor must sort through, the loss brings up financial questions and concerns. How to pay for funeral costs? And if the deceased was a financial provider, how will their income be replaced? Here's the one thing you should do as soon as possible. Click this link to watch a short video to answer the most frequently asked question of survivors of fatal accidents.

 

Everett-Bellingham WA
5 Tips for the first conversation with the insurance adjuster after a car accident

5 Tips for the first conversation with the insurance adjuster after a car accident

Many accident victims are nervous about their first contact with the insurance company’s adjuster, and justifiably so. Assuming anyone who was recently in a car wreck is dealing with injuries and emotional stress that come from a traumatizing event, it’s hard to think clearly through a claim negotiation. Here are some tips for that first contact with the insurance adjuster to help you advocate for yourself or a loved one and set the stage for financial recovery instead of further anxiety and financial stress.  

Everett-Bellingham WA
5 Tips to help you during the first conversation with the insurance adjuster after a car accident

5 Tips to help you during the first conversation with the insurance adjuster after a car accident

Many accident victims are nervous about their first contact with the insurance company’s adjuster, and justifiably so. Assuming anyone who was recently in a car wreck is dealing with injuries and emotional stress that come from a traumatizing event, it’s hard to think clearly through a claim negotiation. Here are some tips for that first contact with the insurance adjuster to help you advocate for yourself or a loved one and set the stage for financial recovery instead of further anxiety and financial stress.  

What do you do if the driver who hit you doesn't have insurance? [VIDEO]

What do you do if the driver who hit you doesn't have insurance? [VIDEO]

Representing yourself and working with your insurance company isn't as easy as the commercials make it sound, especially if the driver who hit you doesn't have insurance or enough coverage. The adjuster is going to ask you questions that are hard to answer, confusing, or might even feel like they don't believe you, like in this video spoof of the process. It's simply that auto insurers have stakeholders whose best interest it is in not paying the highest amount possible per claim. It's sad but true. This is why it helps to have someone on your side who knows the laws and how to negotiate with insurance companies. Because if they don't play fair, then these cases are settled in court. Especially when you must file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. These are complex claims so it helps to have help. Click here if you're having a hard time dealing with insurance companies and are wondering what to do.
Insurance Adjusters: First Discussions

Insurance Adjusters: First Discussions

When talking about personal injuries to the other party's insurance company, remember this rule: Be polite but say little. Shortly after you've notified responsible parties that you've been injured in an accident and intend to file a claim for compensation, you're likely to hear from one or more insurance companies. These first conversations after your accident may be difficult, as you may be agitated or in pain, but common sense and a few guiding principles will keep you from saying anything that will adversely affect your insurance claim.