If you have been injured in an accident in Maryland that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to exercise caution when speaking with an insurance adjuster. Being mindful of common pitfalls can help protect your rights and ensure a smoother claims process. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about these matters and why it’s crucial to connect with our dedicated Prince George’s County Personal Injury Lawyers.
What Should I Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
To receive compensation after an accident, you must demonstrate that another party was accountable for your injuries. You will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster. An insurance adjuster, also referred to as a claims adjuster, is an individual employed by an insurance company to investigate claims. They are tasked with determining if the insurance company is liable to pay for damages or injuries resulting from the accident, and if so, the appropriate settlement amount. Their primary goal is to minimize the insurance company’s financial liability. As such, you need to be careful when speaking with an insurance adjuster to protect your rights and interests.
Avoid making statements to an insurance adjuster that could be interpreted as an admission of fault, even partial. Admitting any responsibility for the accident could diminish your ability to pursue compensation for your damages. It’s important to understand that under Maryland’s contributory negligence rules, you will face the absolute bar of recovery if you are found to be even 1% at fault for your injuries. Essentially, if you have contributed to the accident in any way, you are completely barred from recovering any damages. To maximize potential compensation in a personal injury case, it’s crucial to avoid any statements that could implicate you in the accident.
When engaging with an insurance adjuster, you should also avoid discussing your injuries or other health conditions. You should avoid saying that you are “fine” or”okay” if you are not, as this could be used against you down the road. The full extent of your injuries may not be immediately apparent, and initial minimization could lead the insurance company to question the severity later. You have the right to seek compensation for all your injuries, including your physical and emotional damages.
Furthermore, you should refrain from speculating about the cause of the accident. You should stick to the facts, avoiding phrases like “I think” or ” in my opinion.” If you don’t know the answer to a question, you should simply state that you don’t know rather than guessing. Don’t volunteer any information and avoid going off on tangents.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer?
When medical bills pile up and injuries prevent you from working, a settlement offer can seem like a godsend. However, you must resist the urge to accept the initial offer from the insurance company. It’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate the offer and consult with your attorney before making a decision. The first settlement is typically lower than what your claim is worth. Insurance adjusters make lowball offers, hoping claimants will accept without fully understanding the extent of their damages.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact an attorney from Timian & Fawcett, LLC.
