When you’ve been injured after an accident, your main focus should be healing and returning to your everyday routine. Navigating conversations with insurance adjusters shouldn’t add to your stress—a skilled lawyer can take care of that, allowing you to focus fully on your recovery. While these conversations might seem straightforward, these communications can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP we understand the stress insurance adjusters can bring. Our personal injury attorneys, with more than 100 years of combined experience and knowledge, are here to provide you with the support you need. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us to speak to our legal professionals and pursue compensation for your losses.
What Should I Say When an Insurance Adjuster Contacts Me?
It’s crucial to avoid speaking with an insurance adjuster before consulting your lawyer. While adjusters may seem friendly, their primary goal is to protect the insurer’s bottom line, which can lead to strategies that minimize your compensation. Speaking to them directly and without legal guidance can inadvertently weaken your case.
By letting your attorney handle these communications, you ensure nothing you say is misinterpreted or used against you. Your lawyer can advise on what to share, safeguarding your claim and allowing you to focus on recovery.
What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster After an Accident
When speaking with an insurance adjuster, avoid discussing fault or making any statements about your injuries without legal advice. Even a simple comment like “I didn’t see them coming” might be used to imply partial fault, and saying you “feel fine” could downplay injuries that only show up later. Rather than rushing to explain or accept responsibility, it’s best to consult an attorney first.
Also, steer clear of any quick settlement offers. Adjusters may offer a low amount early on to close the claim before the full extent of your injuries or financial needs becomes clear. You have the right to have an attorney negotiate a fair settlement that truly reflects your losses.
Key Tips for Speaking With an Insurance Adjuster
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stay brief and neutral: Be polite but cautious, only confirming basic facts like the accident date and location.
- Don’t give a recorded statement: You’re not required to provide a recorded statement, and your attorney can advise on how best to respond.
- Refer settlement talks to your lawyer: Your attorney is skilled in handling negotiations, ensuring your rights are protected.
These steps can help you avoid pitfalls when interacting with adjusters. A personal injury attorney is your advocate, working to secure fair compensation while you focus on your recovery.
Why You Should Never Rush to Settle Your Claim
While it might be tempting to settle quickly, doing so often leads to less compensation than you deserve. Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may take time to appear. Settling too soon could leave you with limited resources for future treatment and costs.
An experienced attorney can help ensure you make decisions in your best interest. At Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP we’re committed to guiding you through each step, offering legal support to help you pursue fair compensation so you can confidently move forward.
Let Our New York Injury Attorneys Handle Insurance Negotiations for You
You might feel confident handling the insurance adjuster independently, but there are many reasons to have legal representation. Adjusters work for the insurance company and aim to reduce payouts, so they may try to downplay your injuries or pressure you into a quick settlement. When you partner with a skilled personal injury lawyer from Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP you can rest assured your best interests are being prioritized.
Choosing to work with a private firm like ours can provide significant advantages. In contrast to large corporations, we offer personalized attention and take the time to understand your individual situation so we can fight for the best possible outcome. Let us handle the negotiations with the insurance company while you focus on healing. Call us today at (718) 280-5337 or complete a contact form to schedule your free consultation. Also, visit our YouTube Channel to learn more about these accidents.
