Our New Mexico Car Accident Lawyer Explains How to Deal With Insurance Adjusters
Accidents are not something you can predict. Yet, after an accident, you will need to find time to recover from injuries, get your car repaired, and deal with insurance adjusters. Handling insurance communications can add to the stress you are facing. If you do not know what to say to an insurance adjuster, you could make mistakes that can negatively affect your claim. You don’t have to face the insurance company alone. Our qualified New Mexico car accident lawyers at Keller & Keller are here to fight for your fair settlement.
Tips for Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
New Mexico drivers are required to have car insurance. After an accident, you may receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company that catches you off guard. If this is your first time involved in an accident, you may not know what to do. The following tips can help you get started.
Only Provide Essential Contact Information
Limiting the information you share is essential when interacting with the adjuster. Provide only the basics, such as your name, address, and phone number.
Discuss the Accident With Caution
When discussing the accident with the insurance adjuster, offer only a simple description of the accident itself. For example, you may provide the date, time, and location of the crash. Avoid discussing your injuries or any medical diagnoses, and refrain from speculating about who is at fault. Be careful not to make statements suggesting that the accident could have been avoided if you had acted differently. Insurance companies can use such statements to argue that you were responsible. Saying something as innocent as “I didn’t see the other car” could be taken as you were distracted and to blame.
Avoid Signing Documents
Be cautious of early settlement offers from insurance adjusters. Although they may seem tempting, they often undervalue your claim. It's crucial to fully understand the worth of your claim before agreeing to any settlement.
Decline Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters might insist that a recorded statement is necessary to process your claim, but this is not the case. You should not agree to provide a recorded statement at any time, as it can be used to undermine your position.
Other Crucial Steps to Take After a Car Accident
The steps you take after a car accident can affect the outcome of your case. If you file a claim, you will want to ensure you have the appropriate documentation.
Since many injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent, it is essential to get a medical evaluation after an accident. Prompt medical attention may protect your health and establish a vital record of your accident injuries. The insurance company will use your medical records to determine whether you were injured and, if so, how severely.
It's also important to document the accident and gather evidence. Photograph the accident scene, capturing details such as vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Gather contact information from other drivers and eyewitnesses. Maintain a comprehensive log of your medical treatments, including doctor’s notes, hospital bills, and the cost of prescriptions. This documentation is essential for validating your insurance claim.
How Our New Mexico Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
While it is possible to deal with the insurance adjuster on your own, having help from an experienced Albuquerque car accident attorney can increase your chance of a successful outcome. A skilled lawyer will protect your rights, advocate for your best interests, and deal with the insurance company so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Your lawyer will determine the amount of compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses so you do not accept a settlement for less than your claim is worth.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. You are entitled to have an experienced advocate fighting for yours. Seeking legal representation from the team at Keller & Keller ensures your rights are protected.
