If you've been hurt due to the negligence of another driver, compensation may be coming your way. To say that the compensation will come quickly and easily, however, would be untrue. Read on and find out how accident victims can fall prey to a seemingly routine phone call and why.
What Does This Phone Call Mean?
When you are injured in a wreck, the at-fault driver is liable for your damages. Since most drivers are insured, that liability falls to their insurance company. The other side employs accident adjusters to learn more about the accident and to evaluate the potential for a settlement. Damages, in this case, means:
In short, the phone call from the other side by an accident adjuster is an attempt to damage your claim for compensation. How does this happen? Read on.
How Can the Phone Call Be Damaging to Your Case?
Accident adjusters know how confusing it can be after an accident with injuries. Many victims are still recovering and are in no condition to be undertaking legal actions like a recorded phone interview with the insurance company.
In many cases, victims are already beginning to suffer from the financial effects of the accident. When victims miss work, that can decrease income enough to get behind on bills. Unfortunately, being behind on bills can make victims more vulnerable to accepting an offer that sounds good but is inadequate to cover their damages.
Being in a traumatic event like a car accident can make victims feel anxious and it's only natural to vent about it to anyone who will listen. Accident adjusters are very good at making victims feel heard and they offer a sympathetic ear that can relax victims and make them say things they should not say.
Some accident victims are so upset about the accident that they get a few facts wrong. Unfortunately, providing conflicting information to this adjuster could make it seem that you are exaggerating or are dishonest. It's dangerous to guess, speculate, or express remorse about the accident to the adjuster. That could backfire.
None of the negative issues above have to occur. Accident victims are under no obligation to speak to the accident adjuster for the other side. Instead, speak to a personal injury lawyer and let them deal with the insurers. They know what you deserve to be paid and they know exactly how to get it for you. Don't speak about the accident to anyone but your lawyer and do so as soon as possible.
For more information, contact a local auto accident lawyer.
Share2 February 2021
If you are injured in an accident, what is your first move? While getting medical care should be your first priority, the fact of the matter is that working with the right lawyer can be incredibly helpful in making it easier to prevent problems. For starters, your lawyer can talk with you about what to do in order to prevent problems with your paperwork, and he or she can chat with you about what to do when you start getting calls from other attorneys talking about the case. On this website, check out great tips and tricks you can use to prevent problems with your recovery from a financial perspective.
