After a crash on a Georgia highway, the world feels disoriented and shaky. You focus on your injuries and the stress of the moment. You are in an extremely vulnerable position when the phone suddenly rings.
It’s the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster, and they sound friendly and eager to help you settle your claim fast. They insist you do not need legal counsel. Is this really a friendly gesture? Absolutely not! It is a common tactic for insurers to deny or drastically reduce compensation.
The adjuster’s hidden goal
Insurance companies are massive for-profit businesses. Their main goal is to pay as little as possible on every single claim. When an adjuster tells you that you do not need an attorney, they are trying to get you to face the complex claims process alone.
They know a person without representation is more likely to make key mistakes. They want you to take a low settlement or sign a release before you know the full extent of your injuries. You must understand their strategy is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery.
Tips for handling an adjuster
How you deal with the insurance company after an accident can determine the outcome of your case. Keep these critical tips in mind:
What you SHOULD do:
- Provide only basic facts: your name, contact information, and the location and time of the accident.
- Stick only to the facts without offering any opinions or assumptions about what happened.
- Document everything—from your injuries and medical treatment to every conversation you have with the adjuster.
They may try to rush you into a decision or pressure you to talk. Remain calm and firm, and remember your right to refuse to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurer altogether. However, you must generally cooperate with your own insurance company if you plan to file a claim under your policy. Again, stick to the facts.
What NOT to do:
- Give a recorded statement about the accident or your injuries. Politely decline any requests.
- Sign any documents, especially a medical authorization form, without first reviewing it with an attorney.
- Guess, speculate or apologize.
- Downplay your pain or say you are “fine,” since painful symptoms often get worse following a crash.
Importantly, avoid saying “I’m sorry,” “I should have,” or any other statement that they interpret as you admitting responsibility, as these can be used against you.
Securing your right to fair compensation
If the adjuster discourages you from talking to a lawyer, it may be a clear sign that your claim may be worth far more than they are willing to offer voluntarily. Successfully challenging these strategies is vital. Also, fully valuing your damages, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering, is your right.
Under Georgia’s comparative negligence law, the amount you recover for these damages may be reduced or eliminated if you are partially at fault for the accident. Addressing these complex rules is why guidance from a skilled car accident attorney who understands Georgia’s personal injury laws can be invaluable in securing full compensation.