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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SPEAKING WITH A CLAIMS ADJUSTER

Law Office of James A. Maniatis Feb. 17, 2022

If you suffer the misfortune of being in an auto accident, you will encounter several changes in your life. This includes dealing with a lot of stress and aggravation, as well as finding yourself trying to dodge calls from the other party’s insurance company. 

For this reason, you should always be careful when you speak to an insurance adjuster and contact an experienced personal injury attorney at the Law Office of James Maniatis in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, for assistance with your claim. I have offices located in Southborough and Webster, Massachusetts, but I proudly serve clients throughout Massachusetts, including Westborough, Northborough, Grafton, Boylston, Millbury, Upton, Dudley, and Oxford. At the Law Office of James Maniatis, I am committed to assisting clients with insurance companies to help understand their rights when speaking to an adjuster.

WHAT IS AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER’S ROLE?

Insurance companies have to do their due diligence when paying out on claims; therefore, they might end up paying claims that fall outside of the policy’s coverage or claims that are fraudulent. This is where the adjuster comes in.

Claims adjusters determine whether the party claiming a loss is owed payment under the terms of the insurance policy as well as the amount that payment should be.

GUIDANCE WHEN TALKING TO CLAIMS ADJUSTERS

At some point in the aftermath of your accident, you will have to talk to an insurance claims adjuster. In most cases, a conversation with a claims adjuster in the wrong way could result in your settlement being significantly reduced, so here are some tips to navigate these specific conversations.

REQUESTS FOR A STATEMENT

By no means are you required to provide a statement to an insurance adjuster, and you should refuse a statement because if you do, the adjuster will likely:

  • Use the statement against you.

  • Use the statement to reduce compensation.

  • Ask contradictory questions to create inconsistency for the benefit of the insurance company.

Remember, the goal of the insurance company is to reduce the cost as much as possible. If you give a statement, it is essential to keep the conversation as brief as possible. Also, keep the following in mind:

  • Ask for the conversation not to be recorded.

  • Don’t admit guilt.

  • Don’t answer questions you are unclear of.

  • Don’t volunteer additional information.

WHAT INFORMATION WILL THEY ASK ME TO PROVIDE?

An insurance adjuster will ask for your personal information. Don’t go into great detail here. Just provide the basic information like your:

  • Name.

  • Address.

  • Phone number.

  • Employer.

Next, the adjuster will likely ask you for details about the accident. Again, provide only the basics:

  • The type of accident.

  • Vehicles involved.

  • Responsible parties.

  • Witness identities.

Finally, the conversation will probably turn toward your injuries. It is key to steer clear of a detailed description of your injuries. You may notice a delayed injury after the car accident, or your injuries may end up being worse than you first thought. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you through the communication process.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOU

If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is in your best interest to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help with your claim. At the Law Office of James Maniatis, I can guide you through the claims process every step of the way. My offices in Shrewsbury, Southborough, and Webster possess convenient locations for meeting and discussing your legal options today. Call me today or contact me through my website for a free consultation. I proudly serve clients also in Westborough, Northborough, Grafton, Boylston, Millbury, Upton, Dudley, and Oxford, Massachusetts.