The hours and days following a Brooklyn motor vehicle accident can be stressful and overwhelming to say the least. Insurance companies can add to that stress, which is why you should avoid speaking to them as much as possible. Filing an insurance claim after an accident can be complex process, and the insurer will be looking for reasons to deny your claim. Here are a few things you should avoid doing when dealing with insurance adjusters after your accident.
Do not provide more information than necessary
Reporting the accident to your insurer is generally required under your policy, but providing extra information is not. Provide your insurer with the basics: when and where the accident occurred, and who was involved. Do not describe the accident in great detail, admit liability, discuss the severity of your injuries, or discuss the negligent actions of the parties involved.
Do not give a recorded statement before consulting an attorney
A claim adjuster may call you within days of the accident, with a request to make a recorded statement. They may use certain tactics to confuse you and say things that may hurt your case. Adjusters may attempt to:
- Trick you into admitting fault, regardless of the truth
- Get you to downplay your injuries
- Gather additional information about how the accident occurred
It is in your best interest to speak to an attorney before giving a statement. If you do eventually give a recorded statement, your attorney can be with you to make sure that the adjuster’s questions are clear and that you do not say anything incriminating.
Do not sign documentation without review by an attorney
Your insurer may ask you to sign an authorization request to obtain medical documentation or ask you to agree to an Independent Medical Exam. However, this could just be a way for the insurer to try to show that injuries caused by the motor vehicle accident were not as severe as they actually were. Before signing anything, have your attorney review all documents to find out what exactly you are agreeing to.
Remember, insurers may seem friendly and understanding, but their loyalty is to the insurance company. The insurer’s goal is to pay out as little as possible after an accident. A personal injury attorney can help protect you throughout the process and give you the best chance at recovering the damages you deserve.
