LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 23, 2021 / Right after a car accident, the first thing you should be concerned with is receiving the medical attention you need and getting your vehicle back on the road if possible. But after the immediate chaos has been taken care of, you need to consider your first call with the insurance adjuster, says attorney Garrett Ogata.
Claims adjusters work for insurance carriers to help assess the damage to your car and decide how much you will receive in the final settlement should it be considered "totaled". Remember, an insurance adjuster's job is to protect the insurance company and they will try to ensure that you receive as little money as possible. That's why we compiled these tips and tricks for dealing with insurance adjusters--to ensure that you get as much as possible out of your settlement.
Collect Your Own Evidence Advises Garrett T. Ogata
If you're able to do so safely, take pictures of both your car and the other vehicles involved in the accident, advises Garrett T. Ogata. These pictures will help the insurance company assess the full extent of the damage and the validity of the other parties' claims should they file for medical or material damages.
If you've already contacted an attorney, make sure you forward these pictures to them at the time they take on your case. When you're speaking to the adjuster, let them know that you took pictures at the scene and that they have been sent to your attorney.
You Are Not Required to Answer Medical Questions
In the event that you were injured during your accident and an insurance adjuster reaches out to you, it is fully within your rights to politely decline to give a statement, says Garrett Ogata. They may pressure you for details or a statement, but remember that your statement will go on record and be used against you should your injuries worsen or appear after several days.
In fact, says Ogata, many injuries do not present or show symptoms until days after an accident. This is especially true for musculoskeletal damage like whiplash, neck strain, and spinal damage. Just tell the adjuster your attorney has advised you not to give a statement until your medical treatment has been completed.
You Are Not Required to Answer At All
You should contact an attorney as soon as it's safe and practical to do so after an accident, says Garrett T. Ogata. If you've already contacted an attorney, you can actually forgo the call with the insurance adjuster unless your attorney is present. Or you can have your attorney contact the insurance adjuster on your behalf. This ensures that your interests are protected and that the insurance company knows how seriously you're taking your case.
CONTACT:
Garrett T. Ogata
The Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata
+17025531320
SOURCE: Garrett T. Ogata