If you were injured in a slip and fall or other premises liability accident, the insurance company for the property owner or business where you were hurt will probably contact you within a few days of your accident. Should you talk to the insurance adjuster? While you may need to have a short conversation with him, you should keep your call as brief as possible and limit further direct communications with the insurance company.
Why the Insurance Company Wants to Talk to You
Once the insurance company is notified of your accident, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. One of the reasons he would contact you is to investigate your claim. However, he also may have other motives.
The insurance adjuster may appear to be friendly and concerned about your health. However, it is important to remember that this person is not your friend and is not looking out for your best interests. He works for the insurance company and may try to use statements you make to him to deny your claim or try to pay you less than you are owed.
How to Handle Talking to the Insurance Company
You need to be very careful when talking to the insurance adjuster so that you do not inadvertently say something that weakens your right to compensation for your injuries. Here are guidelines on how to talk to him:
- Be polite.
- Obtain the contact information for the insurance company.
- Provide basic information, such as the date, time, and place of your accident, but do not discuss the details of the accident or your injuries.
- Advise the insurance adjuster that you will have your lawyer contact him to discuss your claim. Then retain an experienced premises liability attorney immediately if you have not hired one.
There are some things that you should not say or agree to when speaking to the insurance adjuster:
- Do not say “I’m sorry” or statements that admit fault.
- Do not agree to give a recorded statement, which is a tape-recorded question and answer session between the insurance adjuster and you.
- Do not sign the insurance company’s authorization for release of medical information. You would give them access to confidential medical information that they do not need and may use to try to deny your claim.
Our skilled and dedicated legal team is here to file your claim and take over all communications with the insurance company so that you receive the maximum amount in your settlement. Call our Norfolk office to schedule a free consultation to get your questions answered and learn how we can assist you.
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