Tips For Reporting Your Auto Accident To Your Insurer
Posted on: 14 April 2015
The car accident report you present to your insurance carrier has a big influence on your eventual claim. Your report can subject you to a complicated claim (that probably ends in a small settlement) or a straightforward claim with a reasonable recovery. Do you wish to know how to arrive at the latter? Here are a few useful tips:
Be Professional
You may be hurt angry and tired, but you shouldn't take out your frustrations on the adjuster. Strive to remain calm even if he or she offers you an obviously low settlement amount. At the back of your mind, you should not forget that your relationship with the insurance company is a business one.
Stick To the Facts
You probably know the value of sticking to the facts, but you may not know what "fact" means here. In this case, what you suspect or think is not a fact; a fact is anything you are sure of, especially if it has been verified by a professional. Also, this means that you shouldn't diagnose your injuries -- leave that to the doctor.
For example, if you don't feel any pain, it doesn't mean that you are alright -- so don't tell your insurer you are alright. You are only alright once you have visited the doctor and he or she has given you a clean bill of health.
Only Answer Questions You Are Asked
The adjuster will ask you lots of questions, and you should do your best to answer them honestly, but no more. If you don't know the answer to a question – there is your answer: you don't know. Also, don't volunteer anything because you may not be the best judge of what might help or derail your case. Also, note that you are under no obligation to make a recorded statement to the adjuster, so you shouldn't do it; a verbal report will suffice.
Delink the Report from the Settlement
Lastly, note that you should not link your report to a settlement. This means that you should not accept a settlement, which is likely to be the first one, yet. Even if you are offered what looks like a substantial check and urged to accept it on the spot, you should not give in. You are almost certain to see a better offer later.
For moderate to serious injuries and damages, you need the involvement of a lawyer to help you with the negotiations. This is especially necessary where there is a dispute on who caused the accident. Besides, having a lawyer like The Best and Westover adds weight to your claim and ensures the insurer treats your claim with the seriousness it deserves.
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