When you're hurt because of an accident, you are in a vulnerable position. Dealing with injuries, a wrecked car and missed work is stressful, particularly when you know that you are not at fault for the accident. This is no time, however, for you to let down your guard and fall victim once again. Read on to learn about the phone call you do not want to take and why.
An offer you can refuse: No matter how badly your finances look, it would be a huge mistake to be tempted by the initial offer made in return for giving a recorded interview. Yes, the insurance company may indeed cut you a check after you agree to speak to the adjuster about the accident, or they might not. Unfortunately, you have no way of knowing just how much money you might be missing out on without speaking to an attorney.
It's something you said: The chances of accidentally jeopardizing your case are high when you speak over the phone with an adjuster for the other side. They are skilled at charming you into agreeing to the call and then being falsely sympathetic about the wreck. This is all meant to put you at ease, making you more likely to misspeak about the events of that day. A simple admission that your injuries are getting better every day is enough to damage your case and reduce your compensation, so don't allow that to happen.
Why is this happening? It's simple: insurance carriers are not in the business of paying out claims. They are for-profit businesses, and they employ adjusters for the sole purpose of lessening their liability for the wreck. That means using the phone to do these things and more:
1. Making you think that you have no choice about speaking to them (you do).
2. Making you think that the amount offered is more than adequate (it probably is not).
3. Making you say something that weakens your case by using open-ended and leading questions.
4. Attempting to get you to minimize your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your life.
5. Attempting to get you to make guesses, estimates, and statements that are not accurate.
Speak instead to a personal injury lawyer. The sooner you seek help, the quicker you can get your life back to normal again. Your own insurance company may also need to speak to you, and for that, you will need the help of your attorney to guide you through it or to handle this (required) phone interview. Stay cool and get help to get the money damages you need and deserve.
Share11 April 2018
After my mom turned 68 years old, she started doing all kinds of strange things. She spent her monthly retirement checks on excessive amounts of food and clothing but didn't pay her rent or bills on time. At one point, she forgot who I was to her. Since my mom lived alone at an independent apartment complex, I couldn't monitor her behavior every second of the day. I brought these things to my mom's attention, but she refused to get medical help. After my mother called the fire department to report a fake fire, I took legal action. I contacted a general attorney and became my mother's power of attorney. I now had the right to monitor my mom's finances and medical care. If your loved one needs help, read my blog for information on general attorneys. You'll find tips, articles and much more to help you get started.