You probably don’t have much to worry about if you were injured in a minor fender bender in Orange County. However, more often than not, car crashes and traffic accidents in California lead to serious outcomes, including fatalities. Following such a mishap, you should consider talking to a personal injury attorney in Orange County, given that you would have to file a third-party claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. The sad fact is most victims don’t understand personal injury laws, and more often than not, they mess up when dealing with the insurance company. Here’s what you must know about working with the claims adjuster.
Start with the simple facts
If the at-fault party reported the accident to their insurer, there would be an investigation involving someone from the insurance company calling you for details. They will want to find your contact information, whether you have hired a lawyer, and your side of the story. Keep in mind that the insurance company is not here to help you. Your claim is not something they are interested in, and therefore, they will want and expect you to settle soon.
Be careful of what you say
If you haven’t hired an attorney so far, you need to be more careful when talking to the insurance company’s representative. There are a few topics that you must avoid. For example, who is at fault for causing the accident? The claims adjuster will also want to know what you think about the sequence of events and whether you had a role in causing the accident. They may also prod you about your injuries, whether you had pre-existing conditions, or the nature of your losses related to the mishap. Do not agree to the insurance adjuster’s request to have a recorded call or a statement. Get an attorney on board who will guide you through the process and ensure you don’t end up hurting your claim.
Final word
Insurance companies and their adjusters do their best to deny and delay claims, and it makes no sense to engage in a conversation if you don’t understand their intentions. Make sure to have a reliable lawyer on your side who will ensure that you don’t lose grip as you negotiate the settlement. The lawyer will also ensure that you don’t accept the initial offer, which is likely to be much lower than what you should get.
