It may seem like cooperating with the insurance adjuster is the best way to quickly receive compensation for your car accident injuries, but this is not the case. Remember that the insurance company exists to make a profit. If they can find a reason to deny your claim or lower your settlement, they will not hesitate to do so.
What Happens After a Car Accident?
After you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you will receive a call from an insurance adjuster who has been assigned to handle the claim. This occurs quickly, so you may even still be in the hospital when you are contacted. The adjuster will ask you to participate in a recorded information session where you are asked questions about your employment, medical history, and memories of the accident.
Why Is a Recorded Statement a Bad Idea?
You must provide your own auto insurance company with the information it needs to process your claim, but giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster working for another driver’s insurance company is not legally required. Even though the adjuster may claim it will speed up your case, a recorded statement is problematic for several reasons:
- Any inconsistencies, even if they are unintentional, can be used to negatively affect your compensation.
- You might be unsure how to best answer questions that are designed to be deliberately misleading.
- Your answers can be used in future litigation.
A recorded statement is never a good idea, but it’s particularly problematic when you’re still dealing with the initial trauma of the accident. You may not be thinking clearly or may not fully understand the extent of your injuries.
What’s the Best Course of Action?
The safest course of action is to consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, which leaves you free to focus on your recovery.
Attorney Ty Nestor is committed to helping West Virginia residents who’ve been injured due to the negligence of others receive the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
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