Protecting your rights after a motor vehicle accident
The insurance companies have friendly slogans and spend millions of dollars advertising that they will "be there for you" after an accident. In reality, insurance companies are not squarely on your side. In fact, the job of an insurance adjuster is to settle your claim for as little money as possible.
At Greg Jones Law, our job is to maximize your auto accident or personal injury claim. We suggest contacting an attorney before talking to an insurance adjuster, no matter what the injuries or even if you think you were partly at fault. The bottom line is that any statements you make to an adjuster will be misconstrued or used against you to limit the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us today if you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident or other personal injury because of someone's negligence. We will deal with the insurance companies for you to pursue full damages.
Talking to an insurance adjuster
You are obligated to report any accident to your insurance company. However, you must be very careful in what you say to an insurance adjuster, whether it is your own insurance company or the other driver's insurer. Any statement that could be construed as contributory negligence or comparative fault could later result in denial of your claim or a reduction in your compensation.
Before talking to an adjuster or your local insurance agent, contact a lawyer to learn your rights and discuss what you should say and do:
- Try to be calm and respectful to the adjuster. It will pay off in the long run.
- Stick to the basic facts of the accident: who, when and where.
- Answer questions truthfully but do not volunteer information.
- Give details about your injuries, your pain, your limitations and your medical treatment. Do not say that you are "fine" or "feeling better."
- It is okay to say "I don't know" or "I don't remember."
- Politely decline to answer questions if you feel the adjuster is out of line or "fishing" for information.
- Do not agree to a recorded statement or written statement.
- Do not sign a release, settlement, statement or any document without discussing it with your attorney.
Insurance adjusters are specifically trained to manipulate these conversations and to get information out of you that can be used to deny or limit your compensation. No matter how nice and friendly the adjuster may sound, you must remember that he or she does not have your best interests at heart. Do not be sweet-talked into admitting fault or agreeing to anything.
Experienced Wilmington NC car insurance attorneys
We have handled thousands of personal injury cases, and we deal with insurance company claims adjusters on a daily basis. We are here to protect your rights and to protect you from a bad settlement that does not cover your losses and ongoing needs.
We practice in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Call the Wilmington and Charlotte auto accident lawyers of Greg Jones Law at 800-481-5707 or contact us online.
